Your children may have studied adequately and also gotten enough sleep before their tests or exams. In spite of doing everything right, it just didn’t go well. That’s what your adolescent described it as. In a situation like this, it’s natural to want to help your child through this difficult period. The question is, what is the best strategy to accomplish this goal?
5 strategies to help your child cope with their failures and get over it
- Hear out their concerns
Jump in and save them if that’s your initial instinct. Your response may be something like, “I’m certain you did great!” or “It’s going to be OK”. However, to an adolescent who’s recently been through a difficult moment, it might seem as though you’re ignoring their concerns.
Students of Secondary School Abu Dhabi, like everyone else, want to be recognised and appreciated. So, if they speak out about post-exam fears, listen without offering recommendations or affirmations. You may say, “That sounds hard. I feel bad for you”. Empathy goes far, and a shared issue is half solved.
- If they aren’t ready to speak about it, give them some time and space
Some teenagers stay quiet about how their International School Abu Dhabi test went. Give them a break while it’s still fresh in their minds. After the checkup, let them relax totally by letting them watch their favourite programme or ask them to take a relaxing bath.
Don’t get them started on how they came up with answers to your inquiries. They’ll see the light eventually, so give them control of the situation. Inquire as to how you may assist them.
- Appreciate their Qualities
Remind your child of their strengths once they’ve had some time to calm down. Even when things are going well, it’s common for teenagers to doubt their own abilities and a bad test experience can only worsen the situation.
Avoid making comparisons to their peers in Secondary School Abu Dhabi or siblings when they’re feeling down. Recognize their positive attributes. If you don’t want to talk about school, you may talk about anything. Let them know you appreciate what they do well, whether it’s sketching or taking care of the dog.
- Talk about your failures
Being honest about your failings and blunders might put others at ease. It conveys the idea that learning is an ongoing endeavour. A large meeting that didn’t go according to plan is a great story to share with your kid. Or how you felt when you failed a test, and how it affected you emotionally.
To help your kid understand that errors and failures are a natural part of life, try to point them out more often. The fact that they’re not the only ones who’ve had failures (even superstars!) and how they can make a strong comeback in International School Abu Dhabi exams, might make them feel less alone.
- Inquire as to how you may assist
After the sting of a difficult test has worn off, you and your youngster may examine the circumstances that led to the outcome. Allow them to explain what went wrong.
They may need additional assistance from a teacher or a professional tutor if they are experiencing difficulties in a particular topic. Or maybe it’s just a matter of honing their test-taking techniques.
You can never start having regular conversations with your adolescent too late, and it’s never too late to make time for them.
Conclusion
How a youngster reacts and copes with frustration and disappointment varies greatly from child to child. But after taking a significant hit to their self-esteem, everyone wants to feel better as soon as possible.
They will make it through the difficult times, and emerge even stronger as a result of the support and encouragement that they get from you. However, sometimes it can prove to be a sensitive situation that should be dealt with correctly.
These tips from Secondary School Abu Dhabi may help you reach out to your child and get to know them better. However, if you ever feel like things are getting out of hand, consult professionals and do not forget to communicate with the school.