You parents will want to know that you understand the seriousness of bad grades. After all, secondary school is the doorway to adulthood, so your parents will want to know that you do understand what is at stake.
Understand that this is a time when you are laying the foundation for a successful future and communicate that view in your conversation with your parents.
4. Acknowledge Your Mistakes
Remember that everybody makes mistakes (including parents). The good news is that you can learn from your mistakes. Before you speak with your parents, make an effort to understand what went wrong in the first place. Take some time to figure out why the bad grade happened (and be honest about this).
Were you overloaded this year? Did you take on too much? Maybe you had a problem with priorities or time management. Make a real effort to get to the root of your problem, then think of ways to make the situation better.
5. Be Prepared
Write your conclusions and plans on a piece of paper and take it with you when you have that conversation with your parents.
6. Talk About Your Possible Ideas
Are you willing to go for tutorials, or extra lessons? Should drop sports next year? Think about the steps you can take and be ready to discuss them. Your goal is to show your parents that you are willing to take ownership. Admit you messed up. or that you have a problem—if you did—and let your parents know that you have a plan to avoid making the same mistake in the future.
By taking ownership, you are showing a sign of growing up, and your parents will be happy to see it.
7. Be a Grownup, Not a Child
Even if you go in with a plan, you must be willing to receive other suggestions. Don’t go into the meeting with the attitude that you have all the answers. Another common trick that parents see through: don’t use drama to try to manipulate the situation. Don’t cry and exaggerate your guilt to generate some sympathy. Sound familiar?
We all do things like this as we test our boundaries. The point here is, it’s time to move on and learn. Be prepared to receive news you don’t like. Your parents’ idea of a solution may be different from your own. Be flexible and cooperative.
You can recover from any situation if you are willing to learn and to make the necessary changes. Make a plan and follow it!