Associated Press. (1999, October 4). Help adolescent cope, learn. The Daily Oklahoman, p. 4B.

OVERVIEW

This article offer tips for parents and youth workers to encourage young people who academically struggle in school. The tips come from a book, Parenting 911: How Parents Can Safeguard and Rescue 10- to 15- Year-Olds (Broadway Books). The authors, who interview teachers, parents, and adolescent students, include the following suggestions:

• Begin by offering positive, encouraging messages.
• Assume the best about your child’s performance. Set up consequences only after the young person shows signs of faltering.
• Focus on effort instead of on ability.
• Don’t judge your child only on the basis of grades. Especially during the teen years, inconsistent grades are not uncommon. It is normal, and temporary, that adolescents become easily distracted from classes. What is most important is the student’s excitement about school, social maturation, and exposure to new ideas and skills
• Encourage your child to design a study system that works well for him or her.
• Allow and encourage your child to acknowledge and address academic problems. The longer the problems continue, the more difficult they are to straighten out.
• Don’t assume academic problems are due to laziness. Learning disabilities are often diagnosed during these years. Additionally, some students face " ‘developmental plateaus’ "—times when their brains are not growing quickly enough to understand the concepts being introduced.
• Don’t criticize teachers or administrators in front of your child. It is important to show respect for your child’s school authority.
• Encourage your child to be his or her own person—applaud one’s individuality and unique talents.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you find that young people respond positively to these types of motivational techniques?
2. How can you use these suggestions to help your ministry?
3. Can the same techniques be used for young people who are struggling spiritually? Explain.
4. What types of students would not respond well to these suggestions?

IMPLICATIONS

• Youth workers can use these tips to help kids who are struggling academically.
• This is a great resource for parents. Youth workers can support parents’ efforts in working with students.
• While youth leaders usually focus on young people’s spiritual and emotional needs, it is helpful to also be available to help kids find educational support.

Kathryn Q. Powers cCYS