Exam failure: What parents should do if their child fails out of school, college

New Delhi: As parents, you would surely want your children to do their best as much as they can in every aspect of life, especially at school. Perhaps, school exam results are generally considered the quintessential indicator of a child's success.

And when children fail exams or secure poor marks, parents are heartbroken just as their kids are. Some parents often think that their child is not giving its best or not serious in their studies, but that's not always the case.

While it's distressing to see your child collapsing in their crucial steps, there's a lot to learn from failures. Here are a few tips for parents to help their child cope with failure in exams and get them back on track:

• Instead of showing disappointment, support your child, which is the most crucial thing you can do as parents. Make him/her understand that it is through failure that we learn and that it can help them do better the next time around.
• Never compare your child with any other kid in the class or friendship group, and obviously not a sibling. Parents should know that every child is different and so are their strengths and capabilities. Being compared can be the worst thing for teenagers, whose hormones and emotions are all over the place.
• Sit down with your child and find out the specific areas he/she is having difficulties with. This may include finding a good coaching class or private tutor to help overcome their academic challenges.
• It is important for parents to help their child understand their strengths and weaknesses. This can help them adjust their study time as well as focus more on difficult tasks.
• Encourage your kids to set goals that are realistic and achievable. This will help you both avoid disappointments later in life.
• As you help your child cope with failures and prepare for the future, track his/her progress.
• While doing so, watch out for any signs of depression, sadness, aggression, decreased appetite or sleep, etc. It mat be noted that the number of students committing suicide over exam failures has been rising.
• Create good habits such as healthy eating, getting adequate sleep, regular physical activity. Ensure that your child eats a nutritious diet while avoiding unhealthy foods that can lead to more stress and anxiety.
• Encourage him/her to practice some breathing exercises that can help reduce stress and provide a range of health benefits.

What your child needs the most from you at this point of life is your love, care and of course, your positive and constructive support.