Bad grades at school

reasons for bad grades

Poor grades in school are a difficult issue for many families. The definition of bad grades is already often a problem, because while in some families only the grades E and F are considered bad, in other places a C already causes a slight panic.

As a rule, bad grades are awarded when the subject matter is not sufficiently mastered. It is therefore important to find out the reasons for this.

Laziness or lack of interest are often the reasons, but a lack of intelligence or learning disabilities can also be the cause of bad grades. In some cases, the reasons can also be found in the social environment – are there psychological problems, have the parents separated or has a trusted person died? Moving and changing schools can also cause bad grades.

Likewise, the transition to a secondary school can lead to bad grades. On the one hand, this can be due to a fundamental overstrain or to a change that has not yet taken place with regard to learning. In elementary school , most children do not have to study very much to do well at school. After moving to a secondary school, this often looks different. Performance requirements are increasing and with them the need to learn. Some children have to learn this and cope better with the situation if they are supported by their parents.

Bad grades at school are common during puberty. In this phase, young people often have other things to concentrate on, so the lessons fall by the wayside. If this is a temporary phase of a few weeks, the parents can safely ignore it, but if this phase lasts longer, if lessons are even skipped , there is a need for action.

In general, bad grades should not be dismissed lightly, because if a child gets consistently bad grades, it begins to doubt itself and, in the worst case, can become a truant will. If a bad grade is not an isolated case, parents and teachers should not ignore it but offer help.

How can parents help?

However, if the bad grades accumulate, you have to think about the possible reasons. It is particularly important not to constantly overwhelm the child with reproaches. Repeated failures will increase your child’s self-doubt, and you should try to counteract this by motivating rather than blaming your child.

Together with your child, think about where the problems at school come from. Having trouble with a teacher? Quarrels with classmates or other things that stress your child? Feel free to speak up if you notice that your child has stopped studying lately and prefers to be out and about with friends. Agree on regulations on how to reconcile homework and a circle of friends. Be understanding and admit that you once got an F in math.

It is also important that you give your child your attention and time. Learn together and encourage your child’s specific interests.

A conversation with the class teacher or the relevant subject teacher can also provide information as to why your child is getting bad grades. Use the next one for that Parents’ day or arrange a separate appointment.

If the grades are still bad, you should think about changing schools together with your child. In some cases, changing the school environment can work wonders. This measure can be useful if your child is overwhelmed by the demands of school, but also if it is necessary to gain distance from the current circle of friends. Before you make a decision, however, you should seek contact with your child and a counselor. Because only if your child also supports the decision can there be an improvement in school performance in the long term.