Stating that the child's achievements in different areas should be emphasized and appreciated, experts pointed out that the child should not be compared with his/her siblings or friends.

There are only a few days left until the report cards are taken. On Friday, June 8, 2018, the last school bell will ring and students will leave behind a long education season. Stating that the report card is a result of the education provided by the school, the guidance and support of the family, the child's potential and work performance, experts emphasized that the evaluation should be made in all aspects.

Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Specialist Clinical Psychologist Esma Uygun underlined that if there is a failure, it is not only a failure of the child and that parents should ask themselves some questions.

Parents should question their share in failure

"Have you closely observed your child's school situation during the academic year? Have you been with him/her and guided him/her at every point where he/she needed support and help? Did you seek solutions and help?" Asking the question, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Esma Uygun said the following:

"If you have not done these, if you have not paid enough attention to your child both emotionally and academically, and if there is a lack of success at the end of the year, you undoubtedly have a share in this. In this case, you should search for solutions, question yourself and produce solutions by talking together. Even if his/her grades are not good enough, if his/her behavior scores are good, appreciate him/her."

How should the child be approached in case of a failed report card?

Expert Clinical Psychologist Esma Uygun listed her recommendations as follows:

"Never speak to children in a mocking, hurtful, humiliating way. Avoid verbal and physical violence! Otherwise, you will cause irreparable wounds as well as psychologically traumatizing your child. If you have a negative attitude, it is inevitable that you will cause your child's lack of self-confidence and some problems in personality development. Regardless of the report card grades, be there for your child and tell him/her that he/she is valuable to you and make him/her feel it."

Avoid expensive gifts

Stating that the report card is a reward-punishment system in itself, Esma Uygun pointed out that there should be a balance in punishment and reward. Expert Clinical Psychologist Esma Uygun said, "Punishment will generally not be a method that works. It is necessary to make realistic plans about what can be done on vacation regarding the lessons with low grades. Avoid giving expensive gifts. Planning activities that can increase social relations will be the best reward."

Do not compare siblings

Stating that parental attitudes are also important in families with two or more children, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Esma Uygun listed her suggestions as follows:
"Never make comparisons. Know that each child has different abilities and difficulties in different areas. Therefore, evaluate your child's academic strengths and weaknesses with the help of an expert. Your expectations should be in line with your child's potential. Comparisons with siblings or other children in the environment will not be beneficial. On the contrary, it would bring out feelings of anger and jealousy in the child.

Emphasize their achievements in other areas. Support your child in areas such as art, music and sports outside of the classroom and emphasize his/her achievements in these areas. Each child's abilities will differ.

They may develop erroneous beliefs

Children from families focused on academic success develop erroneous beliefs such as "If my grades are high, I am successful, I am valuable to my family and I will be loved". This will affect your child's mental health and personality structure in a very negative way. You should give them the message that you love and embrace them unconditionally at every opportunity."

Low grades may be a sign of other problems

Expert Clinical Psychologist Esma Uygun points out that low grades are not only the result of studying, but may also be a harbinger of other problems, "Children with learning disabilities and attention deficit may show low performance even if they are studying. The child may be underperforming in exams because he/she has difficulty understanding the lesson or cannot continue listening. In this case, individual education support may be necessary. The child should be evaluated with the help of an expert."