It’s almost the end of another school year, and most of you are anxiously waiting to receive your child’s report card. The year has been full of assignments, orals, tests, and exams. Some of you may already have met with your child’s teachers, especially if your child has been struggling academically.

The most important thing to remember is that although your child’s report card is essential, it’s just a piece of paper. Receiving a negative or disappointing report may make you anxious about your child’s capabilities and academic performance, but there are far more essential factors to consider.

For instance, your child’s emotional well-being.

They are just as anxious as you. All children want to feel proud of themselves.

Here are five ways to deal with a disappointing report card. 

1. Take a moment

Upon receiving your child’s report, please read through it carefully and note the positives before dwelling on the negatives. Let all that you are reading digest, and mull over it a little. Please take a moment to reflect on all your child has achieved this year, whether in one subject, sports, cultural activities, or their emotional development. 

2. Praise without judgment

It’s important to verbally praise your child for all that they have achieved in the year. Your child needs to hear that you are proud of them. By offering words of affirmation, you are building their self-esteem, solidifying their belief in your unconditional love, and paving the way for a fruitful conversation about how to address gaps in their academic performance.

3. Discuss the challenges

The word” weakness” carries a negative connotation. Children hear that and automatically believe that they have failed (or are failures). In truth, we all have weaknesses; none of us is perfect in all we do. Our achievements take time, effort, and consistent practice. Be open with your child. Point out in a loving way where they might feel challenged. Ask questions about which subjects they found difficult, what they think they can improve on and what this success might look like to them.

4. Pave the way forward

Just because your child may struggle academically does not mean that they are unsuccessful. Yes, academics are important, and we expect the best from the private schools our children go to, but (in my opinion) academics are not all that life is based on. Your child may experience excellence in many other areas. That being said, they do need to be educated. If your child is struggling to stay proactive in their academic development, explore ways to help them and partner with their teacher to develop a program that supports their progress. You’ve done the hard part; you have faced the reality that there might be a problem, but all issues can be solved. It’s just a matter of figuring out how.

5. Provide unconditional support

Now that you have assessed the situation, delved deeper into understanding it, and put a plan of action in place, you need to be consistent in your support. There may be times when disappointing marks come home, take a breath, and start the process mentioned above again. In the long run, your child will remember and cherish your committed support above anything else.