A big fat "F" on a report card is never a fun letter to see. As a parent it's your responsibility to make sure your child does well in school. And realizing you've failed that duty is a hard pill to swallow. But now you need to pick yourself up- and make things better. It's an easy task, but does take a bit of effort.
Talk to the teacher first: First things first, go and talk to the teacher- in person. Ask them why your child failed. Were they not finishing their homework? Did they not do well on tests? What was the issue? Ask the teacher if there is any extra credit they can do to change their grade. Also ask what you can do to help your child succeed in their class.
Talk to your child second: Now talk to your child. If they were not finishing their homework- as them why. If they weren't doing well on tests, ask them what they had trouble understanding. Let them know about extra credit activities (that they HAVE to complete). And let them know you're going to work with them to change that "F" to a higher grade together.
Create a 'get back on track' plan WITH your child: Sit your child down and tell them they are better than an "F" and together you need to create a plan to get back on track. Work together to create a list of ways you're going to change the grade. You will do extra credit. You'll finish your homework right after school each night. You'll study before a big test.
Implement a consequence for failing: Let your child know that when they have an F in a class, certain privilages will be taken away until they pull their score up. From now on when they have an F they will not be able to play on the xBox or go shopping with their friends. Do not prevent your child from attending extra curricular activities. Most school events impliment their own consequences for bad grades.
Also implement an encouragement for passing other classes (and this one): Let your child know there are rewards for good grades. In my home we have a grade pay system. Each month the child recieves payment for their good grades, and payments are deducted for bad grades. For each A they recieve $20. For B's they recieve $10. For C's they recieve $5. For D's they recieve nothing. And for every F $10 is subtracted from their total. This gives them something to work towards, and rewards them for good grades.
Explain why school is important: Talk to your kid about why school is so important. They're not only learning about reading and writing and math. They're also learning about responsibility, how to build a good work ethic, how to be self-motivated, and how to be reliable- which are all things they need to succeed in the work place later in life.
Find tutoring help if needed: If your child is failing a class that you yourself are not very good at helping with- hire a tutor to help your child. Tutors can be found on many sites online (including Craigslist "Gigs and Services" section). Schools can also give recommendations for tutors. And even fellow students can help tutor your child.
Talk to the teacher first: First things first, go and talk to the teacher- in person. Ask them why your child failed. Were they not finishing their homework? Did they not do well on tests? What was the issue? Ask the teacher if there is any extra credit they can do to change their grade. Also ask what you can do to help your child succeed in their class.
Talk to your child second: Now talk to your child. If they were not finishing their homework- as them why. If they weren't doing well on tests, ask them what they had trouble understanding. Let them know about extra credit activities (that they HAVE to complete). And let them know you're going to work with them to change that "F" to a higher grade together.
Create a 'get back on track' plan WITH your child: Sit your child down and tell them they are better than an "F" and together you need to create a plan to get back on track. Work together to create a list of ways you're going to change the grade. You will do extra credit. You'll finish your homework right after school each night. You'll study before a big test.
Implement a consequence for failing: Let your child know that when they have an F in a class, certain privilages will be taken away until they pull their score up. From now on when they have an F they will not be able to play on the xBox or go shopping with their friends. Do not prevent your child from attending extra curricular activities. Most school events impliment their own consequences for bad grades.
Also implement an encouragement for passing other classes (and this one): Let your child know there are rewards for good grades. In my home we have a grade pay system. Each month the child recieves payment for their good grades, and payments are deducted for bad grades. For each A they recieve $20. For B's they recieve $10. For C's they recieve $5. For D's they recieve nothing. And for every F $10 is subtracted from their total. This gives them something to work towards, and rewards them for good grades.
Explain why school is important: Talk to your kid about why school is so important. They're not only learning about reading and writing and math. They're also learning about responsibility, how to build a good work ethic, how to be self-motivated, and how to be reliable- which are all things they need to succeed in the work place later in life.
Find tutoring help if needed: If your child is failing a class that you yourself are not very good at helping with- hire a tutor to help your child. Tutors can be found on many sites online (including Craigslist "Gigs and Services" section). Schools can also give recommendations for tutors. And even fellow students can help tutor your child.
