As a parent, there are a lot of things you worry about with your teen. Substance abuse, Self-Harm, Depression and Teen Pregnancy just to name a few. One situation a parent may tend to overlook is when their child’s grades at school begin to drop. While a slight drop in grades every now and then is not a huge cause for concern, when the drop in grades is sudden and dramatic and lasts for an extended period of time, it could be an indication of a larger issue at play. Here are a few things you can do if you notice your teens grades slipping.
1. Find the Root – Your teen might be open with this information or it might require a bit of investigative work on your part. Maybe they feel like their teacher doesn’t like them, or perhaps their social relationships with their friends have changed or they feel unmotivated by the work. Whatever the reason, understanding why the grades have dropped is the first step.
2. Speak to the School – This is not your excuse to go in guns blazing. Rather than placing blame on a teacher or administrator, ask for their opinion of why your teen’s grades have dropped. Have they noticed anything different about your teen? They spend a lot of time with them and could possibly have insights you might not.
3. Keep Your Perspective – Grades are not the most important indication of your child’s development. And shouting at them about it will do more harm than good. Your teen needs to understand and feel that you care about them and not just their grades.
When you are struggling with your teen, talking with a professional can help. Insight Child & Family Counseling has the experience and knows how to get through to your teen. For more information, visit us online at www.j9n.83e.myftpupload.com or give us a call at 972-426-9500.