What Do You Do When Your Child’s Grades Drop?

Don't Always Answer Your Child's Questions
Children learn by asking questions. But sometimes, they can learn more if you don’t try to answer. Don't Always Answer Your Child's Questions

Even if you know the answer, help your child learn how to find answers for herself.

The next time your child asks a question, suggest that she:

Use the library.

Do research online.

Set up an experiment in your home

Do You Promote Studying at Home?

Most children are being assigned more homework than in years past. They need support from parents to handle the challenge.

Here’s a quiz to see if you are encouraging good study habits.

Give yourself five points for something you do often, zero points for something you never do—or any score in between.

___1.

I require my child to do homework every day.

___2.

I praise my child’s hard work.

___3.

I set limits on TV viewing.

___4.

I show interest in my child’s schoolwork.

___5.

I limit after-school activities.

How did you score?

A score of 20 points and above means you’re helping your child develop good study habits. Fifteen to 19 is average. Below 15—try some of the ideas in the quiz to make studying a higher priority.

What Do You Do When Your Child Grades Drop? Most kids go through times when their motivation and grades drop. How parents react during these times is important. Give yourself five points for something you usually do, zero points for something you never do—or any score in between you think you deserve.

___1.

I maintain a positive attitude toward my child no matter what grades he has earned.

___2.

I continue to have high expectations for my child.

___3.

I place responsibility for performance on my child. I don’t let him make excuses for not doing his best.

___4.

I let my child know that I value him for more than his achievements in school.

___5.

I support my child’s nonacademic efforts.

How did you score?

A score of 20 or more means you're giving your child the skills to deal with disappointment. Fifteen to 19 is average. Below 15? Try some of the ideas in the quiz to help your child if her grades go down