Academic failure is a possibility that parents must be alert to and know how to react to as soon as its first symptoms appear. Academic grades are signs that something is not working well, but they are, in no case, definitive.
For this very reason, the attitudes of parents upon receiving the first indications of possible academic failure, such as their children’s bad grades, can become an additional burden or, quite the opposite, an encouragement to start improving.
Background to Academic Failure
Not all failed grades are the same. Fundamentally, they are caused by two reasons: lack of effort or low ability. In the first case, they are a very negative indicator, which establishes the need to motivate the child to change as soon as possible and achieve better results. When the problem is a lack of ability, it is possible that the child is giving their all and still is not capable of reaching the minimum marked levels. Worsening the situation due to lack of understanding, confrontation, or parental punishments can be devastating.
Therefore, beyond academic grades, parents must maintain permanent monitoring of their children’s school situation. Communication with their teachers is fundamental to address the causes of the problem of academic failure, in order to remedy bad grades as soon as possible.
It is not the same to face a problem of lack of study habits as it is one of absence of motivation or desire. Other possible reasons for school dropout are learning difficulties, lack of effort or, what is worse, a difficult emotional situation that blocks their concentration.
How to React to Possible Academic Failure
Failed grades are, in themselves, a negative experience for children. At home, within the family, children must feel accepted for who they are. Therefore, the first guideline to apply is not to dramatize the situation. If we do, we will scare the child, make them cry, they will feel terrible, and even be afraid to be honest with us in the future.
Affective communication, listening to them, and acting with empathy is fundamental. They must feel us as a support for solving the problem, not as an additional part of it. The child needs support, encouragement, and cheer, not depressive reactions that will end up blocking them.
The main thing is to identify why these low results that can lead to academic failure have occurred. Their opinion is important, but that of specialists is even more so. Gathering the appropriate information from all involved parties is the first step to counteract this academic failure.
Addressing Possible Academic Failure
When faced with bad grades, children need to feel accepted, loved, and supported. This does not mean fostering self-complacency: demanding from them is also important. But always, in a loving way, considering their real capacities and limitations.
The next step is to commit to the resolution of their deficiencies, motivating them towards study in an inspiring way. Without a doubt, the best thing is to create an objective, realistic, and motivating study plan with them, and help them fulfill it.
Finally, it is fundamental to value their achievements and progress, encourage them with our affection and applause, cheer them on in moments of weakness or difficulty, and, above all, accompany them throughout the entire process.
ISEP’s Master’s in Intervention in Learning Difficulties will allow you to design intervention strategies so that students with learning difficulties, behavioral problems, or lack of motivation can give their best. ISEP, as a Higher Institute of Psychological Studies, is your best option for training in the field of psycho-pedagogical care for children with difficulties.