Worried About Grades

Q My first-grader is very worried about tests and grades. He gets very upset when he doesn't know the answer and states he's a loser and a failure. He had to put an "X" on his conduct card last week and fears he will make an F rather than an A for conduct this week. I'd like to help him feel confident and know that he doesn't have to make A's all of the time. I've reassured him that I will love him no matter what grade he makes and told him that we will practice his spelling words so that he will feel more confident. Any tips? A Talk to your son's teacher so she knows how worried your son is about tests, grades, and the "X" on his conduct card. There are so many things that the teacher can do to help your son feel more comfortable and less stressed in the classroom. The teacher can explain to your child that mistakes are acceptable and just part of the learning process. Giving him more assignments that aren't graded can also reduce pressure. Just making the teacher aware of the problem could go a long way towards helping your son learn to relax and enjoy school.

It's important to consider whether your son's worries at school come from a tendency to be a perfectionist. In this case, both you and the teacher should be setting reasonable standards for him. Also, a chat with the school psychologist, if there is one, could give you additional ideas about how to help your child.

You should be demonstrating a relaxed attitude towards the work your child does at school because it will help him be more relaxed. Stop mentioning grades, and start talking about the things that he does at school that are fun. When your son brings work home, show your pride in what he has learned -- not in the grade he has received. Tell him frequently that everyone, including you and his teacher, makes mistakes and that they are just part of the learning process. As far as spelling goes, make helping him with his spelling words a routine activity rather than calling it a confidence-building one.


Previous:

Next:

  • Do Your Kids Know How to Handle Their Emotions?
    In the U.S., anxiety is now considered a childhood epidemic, and the rates of depression and suicide continue to climb. In my counseling practice, I sit with nume
  • Play Therapy
    Play therapy is a form of counseling or psychotherapy that uses play to assess, prevent, or treat psychosocial challenges. Although play therapy can be used with adults, it’s most commonly used with children.  From the outside, play therapy loo
  • How to Teach Children to Respect Other People's Things
    Children who have no respect for other peoples possessions may purposely break or be careless with objects that dont belong to them. This can cause a lot of headaches for parents, especially when theyre the ones held responsible for paying to replace