My teenager is afraid of failing high school

Whether it’s due to continued academic struggles or a lack of motivation, many young students fear they won’t graduate high school. One of my kids is having this exact issue. Here’s how I encourage them to keep going and feel confident in their abilities.

First, I make it a point to talk with my child every day, as soon as they get home from school. I ask them questions about their day, both in the classroom (e.g., lessons learned, activities, projects) and outside of school (e.g., friendships, extracurricular activities). These talks give me insight into their day-to-day life. I learn about their successes, disappointments, and worries. Plus, my child feels heard, loved, and supported, no matter what hurdles come their way.

Also, since I know my opinion means a lot to my child, I make sure to mention how important school is on a regular basis. I take every opportunity to stress the importance of learning and of finishing high school. If they value their education too, they’ll be more likely to stick to their studies.

Lastly, I discuss the future with my teen and encourage them to figure out what they want to do later on. This helps give school purpose. I often ask them the following questions: What do you want to do later in life? What are your plans after high school? And so on. I also encourage my child to set realistic goals and help them figure out how to achieve them. 

I encourage and congratulate my child for all their small wins: 

• Attending all their classes 
• Making progress on an assignment 
• Giving a presentation
• Getting the grade they were hoping for 
• Etc. 

I don’t wait for my child to achieve a major goal before patting them on the back. I celebrate every little success to encourage them along the way.

When they’re struggling, I try to help them understand difficult concepts or develop a new work method. If the problem is beyond my abilities, or if my teen isn’t open to receiving my help, I advise them to use other resources: 

• Ask an older sibling for help 
• Call a friend or relative 
• Visit Alloprof’s homework assistance page
• Etc.

When they experience a setback, I avoid lecturing or punishing them. Instead, I try to be understanding and support their thought process. I ask questions: 

• What happened?
• What would you do differently next time?
• Etc. 

My goal is to provide guidance so they improve their study habits and work methods.

My teen and I attended virtual job and education fairs, which allowed us to explore and understand the different vocational training programs and their related fields. I was surprised by the array of academic and professional paths geared toward helping students enter the job market.

There are many reasons to choose a vocational program. After completing a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS), students can either choose to enter the job market directly or continue on to CEGEP.

If my teen needs extra support, I know they can always meet with their school guidance counsellor. This specialist can help them pinpoint their interests, set goals, and make a plan.

At the end of the day, what matters most it that my child enjoys what they do and reaches their full potential.