Establishing Proper Communication with Children During Report Card Season Is Very Important

As another school year comes to an end, students and parents alike are anticipating report card day with excitement. Acıbadem Maslak Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. İrem Yaluğ Ulubil, noting that academic success has a calming effect on parents experiencing future anxiety for their children, stated: "However, it should not be forgotten that a report card is merely an informative letter indicating the areas in which our child is competent or needs improvement. Families should not view the report card as a source of pride or shame and should not avoid confronting the answers to certain questions." Prof. Dr. İrem Yaluğ Ulubil explained five correct approaches to report cards and offered important warnings and recommendations.

Provide Adequate Solutions at the Right Time

Successes and failures are independent of the child's personality and form natural stages of the learning process. As a parent, you should also conduct an internal evaluation of your own attitudes during the education period. Ask yourself these questions: 'Did I notice which subjects or activities my child struggled with during the education period?', 'Did I provide an emotionally sincere and secure environment where my child could express these difficulties comfortably?', 'Did I bring adequate solutions to my child's difficulties at the right time?' and 'Did I work as a team with my child?'

First, Address Communication Problems

An unsuitable study environment, disrupted sleep and nutrition patterns, communication problems that may arise at school with friends and teachers, and peer bullying are factors that negatively affect success. Additionally, maintaining high success expectations, the child witnessing arguments between parents, sharing adult-related problems with the child, sibling jealousy, and exposure to emotional or physical violence can also disrupt the child's emotional balance. Review factors independent of your child and keep in mind how much responsibility you bear for the poor grades on the report card.

Avoid Blame and Criticism of Character

A child who is already worried and upset about poor grades on the report card may struggle to cope and develop behavioral problems if they also experience punitive attitudes from their parents, creating feelings of inadequacy. Even if you are disappointed by poor report card grades, avoid evaluating this entirely as your child's failure and refrain from blaming and criticizing the child's personality. Try to understand your child by listening to them and support them in areas where they are lacking.

Ensure Your Child Has an Enjoyable Holiday Period

Do not make the mistake of comparing your child with other children. Also, especially avoid resorting to punishment such as denying the child a holiday due to a poor report card. A holiday period where your child can do what they want and enjoy themselves is necessary for the child to regain energy and begin the new school year motivated. In the study program you will prepare together to address your child's weak areas, prioritize the need for a holiday.

Being a Good Person Is More Valuable Than Grades

Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. İrem Yaluğ Ulubil states: "Children's self-expression should be supported, and they should feel that what they say is valued. It should be emphasized that learning, self-improvement, and being a good person are more valuable than grades. And something that must never be forgotten: our children are priceless gifts to us as parents. We owe them far more than we can repay for the meaning they bring to our lives."