When talking to your teen about grades, it may be tempting to discuss the dangers of bad grades. But scare tactics like, “You’ll never get into college,” or “You won’t get a good job,” aren’t likely to be effective. Instead, you can talk about the benefits of getting good grades. By giving real-life examples, you can provide motivation for your teen to study hard today. There are five benefits you can use to jump-start your conversation with your teen. Talk to your teen about the realities of student loans. Discuss how academic scholarships can help cover the costs. Explain how student debt can negatively impact your teen’s future, well into his 30s. Your school’s guidance counselor may be able to provide your teen with information on academic achievement and the opportunities that come with good grades as well. Sometimes, hearing from someone other than you can help reinforce your message. Sometimes they say things like, “I’m going to get into sales. I won’t ever need geometry,” or “I’m going in the military. They don’t care about my grades.” Make it clear that even if those things are true, there may be times when your teen’s grades do matter. For instance, she may want to go to college someday or apply for a job where her transcripts will be reviewed. Make it clear that it’s important to keep as many opportunities open as possible. Talk to your teen about successful people who did well academically in high school. Make it clear that people with good grades as a teen often go on to do great things in the future. Encourage your teen to spend time with friends who care about their grades as well. It’ll be tough for your teen to stay on track if none of his friends do their homework.
A Word From Verywell
As a parent, you know that the benefits of good grades and a high GPA extend beyond the high school environment. Your teen may not realize these things and informing them of these points may be the motivation he needs. If nothing else, a conversation that’s positive is certainly better than an argument that leaves everyone feeling disappointed and angry.
