How Should Parents Respond to Their Child’s School Report?
As the school year wraps up, the arrival of school reports often brings with it a mix of emotions for both parents and children. Whether your child’s grades were exceptional, average, or disappointing, the way you respond can set the tone for their future academic journey and emotional well-being.
I recently had the privilege of discussing this topic in a radio interview. If you’d like to listen to the full conversation, click here to access the podcast episode.
In this post, I’ll summarise the key points from the interview and share practical steps for parents to navigate their child’s school report – whether they’re in primary school or facing life-defining decisions in matric.
1. Approach the Report with Empathy
Your child’s school report is just one snapshot of their academic journey. Avoid reacting negatively, even if the results aren’t what you hoped for. Instead, use this as an opportunity to open a dialogue. Ask your child how they feel about their results, and work together to identify areas for improvement without making them feel judged.
2. Helping Younger Children Improve
For younger children, the focus should be on building strong foundations. Create a structured routine at home with set times for homework, revision, and breaks. Collaborate with their teachers to understand how you can reinforce classroom learning. Extra tuition can help, but ensure it’s balanced with downtime and play.
Get creative with revision!
- A child who lacks concentration could be encouraged to play board games
- Difficulties in mathematical concepts usually stem from underdeveloped critical thinking skills. Age-appropriate logic puzzles can help with this.
- Children whose handwriting need attention could be encouraged to pursue art or do more crafts or even thread beads as these activities improve eye-hand coordination.
3. Guiding Matric Learners Towards Decisions
Matric results can feel overwhelming, as they often dictate a learner’s next steps. Encourage your teen to use their report as a tool for reflection rather than a verdict on their future. Explore alternative paths if university isn’t the right fit – short courses, skills training, or apprenticeships can be excellent starting points. Remind them that life is a journey, and it’s okay to take small steps rather than knowing everything upfront. Remember, it is the parent’s job to facilitate confidence and motivation.
4. Alternative Career Paths: Skills Can Pay the Bills
Not every child is destined for a traditional academic career, and that’s perfectly fine. Skills-based careers are thriving today. I’ve seen this firsthand with my mom’s sewing academy. She teaches sewing skills to women, enabling them to turn their passion into a source of income. Her journey has shown me that practical skills can be as lucrative and fulfilling as a university degree – and sometimes even more so.
Encourage your children to explore skills they’re passionate about, whether it’s sewing, cooking, or coding. These paths offer creativity, financial independence, and flexibility, making them worthwhile alternatives to traditional routes.
5. Bridging the Gap Between School and Real Life
The education system doesn’t always prepare children for real-world challenges. Parents can fill this gap by teaching life skills like problem-solving, financial literacy, and adaptability. Encourage part-time work, volunteering, or hobbies that develop independence and resilience.
6. Redefining Success: The Role of Tawakkul
At the heart of it all, we need to remember that our rizq (sustenance) comes from Allah SWT. As parents, we often tell our children, “Study hard, and you’ll be successful.” But success isn’t solely tied to academics or wealth. Teach them that success lies in effort, intention, and trusting Allah’s plan. Encourage habits like reading Surah Waqiah daily, which reminds us to place our reliance on Allah SWT for barakah in our lives.
A Final Thought
Your child’s school report is not a verdict on their future. It’s a tool for growth, a conversation starter, and a stepping stone to bigger things. By approaching it with empathy, encouragement, and trust in Allah SWT, you can help your child navigate their journey with confidence and faith.
If you found these insights helpful, don’t forget to listen to the full interview here. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and share how you approach school reports with your children!