When a child fails in a subject, more often than not, the parents recite a litany that does not help the child.  It does not give a child the chance to redeem himself but rather, it presents a destructive environment for the child.  The child needs more than that to atone for the mistakes committed.

 

What the child needs in times like this is compassion.  Understand the feeling of the child.  No one wants to fail a subject. Although it is a consequence of an act, it is more human to sit with him and discuss the problem.  Avoid putting all the blame on the child.  You may not know it, the failure could have been caused by contributory factors coming from the family.  The state of mind of a child who failed a subject is always at its lowest.  It is not advisable to teach someone to swim while he is drowning.

 

Disappointment sets in situations like this.  What is more important is to strike a balance.  The child may have failed a subject, but he, surely, passed other subjects.  Focus on giving appreciation for the good things he has done before embarking on addressing the problem at hand.  That way, the child will not feel low and will have something to cheer about.  Be compassionate and extend the limits of patience.  It will surely make a big difference.

By: Anna Liza P. Bongco | Master Teacher I | Orion Elementary School | Orion, Bataan