No matter how optimistic one tries to be, failure is never a nice feeling. Failing a grade can be upsetting and very disheartening for any child.
It can’t be enjoyable for a child to see their peers go to the next grade while they are forced to repeat a grade. This truth can be frightening for parents because it frequently makes them feel guilty, makes them worry if they have done enough to help their children.
However demoralizing that report may be, a child should not let it be the end of their education or feel so demoralized that they decide to stop attending school. It is your responsibility as a parent to make sure this does not happen.
What to do:
Allow them to refocus on achieving better, assist your child in going back to the drawing board and letting go of their feelings of melancholy and depression. Yes, it’s normal for kids to feel a little down about the failure, and as a parent, you probably do too. However, obsessing on this will not make the grade go up. As a parent, you must be aware that a teen’s confidence may suffer if they have to repeat a grade. Young people start comparing themselves to others at this stage of life, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy. The student who did not succeed is not always less intelligent than the students who did.
Highlight the positive. Tell your child that even though they are repeating a grade, at least they will be ahead of the class. They will have some knowledge of planning ahead for studying and how much time is required for each assignment, test, and exam.
Any parent must constantly remind their children that tremendous results need enormous devotion. Encourage your youngster to hang out with people who are focused, diligent, and academically serious. Take initiative and don’t be hesitant to deal with pressing concerns. Find out why your child failed the previous year by sitting down with them and discussing it.
Speaking to Thembeka Charlotte Mgidi, a grade 3 Mathematics, English, isiXhosa and Life Skills teacher at Chuma Primary School – she shared this with us. “Parents should accept the situation, don’t be harsh and blame the child, that will only make their shame worse. Instead, try a different approach the following year, be fully involved in your child’s education, assist in homework and check if assignments are done well and submitted on time.”
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