How Much Do Grades Matter?
How Important Are Grades?
When is the last time someone asked you what your grades were in high school or college? Think about it for one minute. I could end the blog now!
Our teens are under more and more pressure at school. Middle school and high school come with more responsibility and at a time when teens are experiencing the chaos of puberty and adolescence.
Two Types of Students
Some students will not be able to get all As and Bs. That is normal and it is OK! Plumbers, mechanics, and small business entrepreneurs can make a great living without good grades or a college degree. On the other hand, there are students who are underperforming and simply choosing not to do their homework, which is most often the reason their grades are low. They test well, but homework is eaten by the dog or lost in cyberspace. Also, children may not have the organizational skills necessary to keep up with all their assignments. These types of children need help long before progress reports or report cards come out. Have a system of rewards and consequences for homework—and post it on the refrigerator. Keeping it in plain view will with help with another teen issue—arguing.
Keep the Big Picture in Mind
No one has asked me about my grades in 35 years. In addition, many adolescents figure it out later. My sister stopped going to more colleges than I can count, but she ended up with a degree from one of the top 50 colleges in the nation. And she has a very successful career! If your children get Cs in high school, they can go to community college two years and transfer into the best state schools. And that would save the family a ton of money!
If you need help with your adolescent’s school or behavior issues, don’t Google “therapist near me;” just call me at 704-457-1789 or email at jeff@jeffsartofempathy.com.
