At the end of every academic session, parents are presented with the Results of their children, some with excellent performance and awards, while others with poor results and failure.
This is when some parents flaunt the achievements of their brilliant children. Pictures of these children will be everywhere
showing how many awards the kid received and how mum and dad are so proud of him/her. You will see the pictures on Facebook, Blackberry DP etc. Some parents will even share testimonies in Church. However many parents won't have any picture to show. Reason? Their children didn't win any award. The child didn't receive any accolades or recognition. Interestingly, there are more parents in this category.
If you are a parent in the first category, congratulations! Remember to celebrate with
moderation. Also remember to thank God for his mercies. Finally, ensure you partner with
your child to improve the performance. Sustained performance is very important.
However if your child didn’t win any award,I have a couple of ideas to share.
1. Note that this is the result for a session.
and not for a life time. This is not a life time assessment. So, don't take it more seriously
than you should.
2. A Students’ report card is a report of several activities. Most report cards are done in two major categories namely, academics and Skills/ character. Don't focus only on the academics. The sections on character and others are equally important. Also remember to read the teachers comments and other comments. Celebrate the child's achievements in these other areas.
3.Talk with the child. Ask what he or she thinks about the result. Also seek joint problem solving opportunities to improve the result. Remember to compose yourself very well before the discussion. Give attention to the child's opinion.
4. Talk with the teacher. Get his views on the issue. Know his perspective on the child’s
performance. Seek his counsel on what to do to get better results
5. If your child was asked to repeat a class, investigate that decision. Consider if the child will improve after repeating the class, What support does the school have to manage his emotions or ego if he has to repeat? What
support can you give? Research evidence isn’t conclusive of the benefit of children repeating a class
6. Develop an action plan. Study the report card and determine what corrective actions to
take. Remember it’s not YOUR Plan ensure the child is involved in the development of the plan. Don’t rush him to develop the
plan. Take it gradually.
The plan should answer the basic question:
What you intend to do to improve? Please ensure YOU aren't the one doing everything.
The child has the role to play. Remember the plan will include, what he needs to do.
7.Manage your emotional state. Don't compare the child with others. Don't make it the subject of abuse or feedback. Don't deny
him benefits because of his result. How you handle this is very important.
8. Leaders deal in hope. Give the child hope.
Also have hope it will be well.
9. Start implementing the plan from the holiday period. Yes, don’t wait and also start
appraising your plan throughout the holiday. Ensure you are making progress. Don't be discouraged. The child is a GEM.
He will blossom in his own area and at his own time. You need to be patient and ensure he has the right environment. I
guarantee you; your child will blossom and be celebrated!
Prof Yomi Fawehinmi
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