Be mindful when talking to your child about their report card
It's that time of the year again... report cards. Remember not to make it all about the grading.
Wrapping up the school year can be exciting for many, but it also comes with some level of stress and anxiety.
For many parents, it is a time when they get to see their kids progress at school based on the teacher's assessment.
This can be quite daunting because there is this level of expectation that comes with parenting; an expectation for your kids to perform well.
When kids don't do as well as expected with their grades, then there's this tendency to become disappointed and perhaps reprimand kids for their bad grades.
It's not easy being a parent. When you have to put your child's feelings first all the time. But it is part of the package and being mindful when reviewing your child's report cards can set the tone for their future in the most impactful way.
Tammy Letcher, a seasoned educator, says that we shouldn't just "look at the marks but look at what the teacher has said about the child's character. For example, it could be things like resolving conflict. It's about having an overall view of the child and not just the academics." (MSN)
We need to be mindful of the language we use in any circumstance when communicating with our kids, but even more so when it comes to their report cards.
Because this is an assessment of not just their academic marks, but their character. How many times have you heard an adult speak about how they pushed harder to prove their teachers wrong because so and so teachers said they wouldn't amount to anything?
It is for this reason and the sensitive nature surrounding report cards that it is up to parents to guide and support their kids through their scholarly progress.
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"Letcher says it's all about changing the language parents use and providing positive affirmation to the child. Ask them what are the things we can celebrate? What did not go well and what can you do to make things improve. If you approach it as a team, it becomes about the 'we' and not the 'you'. The approach with a child of any age is absolutely paramount." (MSN)
Remember, if a child fails or receives less-than-perfect grades, it is not the end of the world. Perhaps your kid excels in other areas? Focus on the good and how you can be there to assist them rather than getting upset and talking negatively to them.
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