You know your child has the potential to do well in school, but instead of the great academic performance they are capable of, report cards are filled with low grades and concerns about their problematic behaviors. It’s a frustrating situation to which many parents can relate. You can take steps to improve your teen’s academic success and prepare them for adulthood. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 for information about our teen academics program.
How to Improve Poor Academic Performance: Start with Better Communication
Parents who pay attention to their children’s struggles and try to help them are already ahead of the game. You can avoid negative interactions if you take a moment to remember puberty is a difficult time for young people.
Your child’s poor academic performance may be eroding their self-esteem and adding to the pressures teens deal with daily. The following tips can help improve communication:
- Let go of the mindset that you must “win” conflicts about education
- Work to improve other aspects of your relationship
- Be an active listener
- Avoid making empty threats
- Validate them
The ultimate goal is for your child to improve. When they complain that schoolwork is “hard,” recognize their feelings and help them proceed despite the difficulty.
Use positive reinforcement methods instead of punishing them for poor grades. Fear of being punished or disappointing others can make things more difficult for your child in the long run.
5 Ways to Help Your Teen Improve Academic Performance
If you’re looking for ways to help your teen improve their academic performance, follow these tips:
1. Have Them Evaluated for Learning Disorders
Learning disorders can go undetected for years. Your child’s difficulties at school may be due to an underlying disorder. With a proper diagnosis and the right support, kids with learning differences can improve academic performance and social behaviors at the same time.
2. Keep Things Fun
Treats and rewards may not be as motivating to a teen as they are to a young child, but you can still use your teenager’s “currency” to make studying more enjoyable.
Offer to host a pizza/study night with a small group of your child’s friends. Let everyone know you will be supervising to make sure homework is a priority. If a group study isn’t their thing, ask your child for ideas that would appeal to them.
3. Model Good Life Balance
Kids are stuck inside all day in school, and many are expected to complete hours of homework every night. Help keep a balance in your child’s life.
Get outside together, and go for a walk or a bike ride. Make sure they get between eight and ten hours of sleep each night and eat a balanced diet. Don’t expect them to do these things independently, even if they are technically old enough.
4. Meet with Your Child’s Teachers
To fully understand your child has poor academic performance, you need to speak with teachers directly. Ask about classroom behavior and whether homework is getting turned in on time. You can also ask the teacher for suggestions about helping your teen succeed.
5. Seek Therapy
Teen therapy services are designed to help adolescents struggling with academics, behavioral concerns, substance use disorders, and more. Programs like those available for teen boys at Foothills of Red Oak Recovery help young people with disruptive classroom behavior, poor grades, and other academic issues.
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery Can Help Your Teen Improve Academic Performance
Foothills at Red Oak Recovery provides programming for adolescent and teen boys. Seeking professional help doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent—it means you are a parent who is invested in your child’s well-being. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 if your child needs extra support to realize their academic potential.
