Getting into the right mindset can help you tell your parents about a bad grade without making them upset.As you prepare to tell them, make sure that you and your parents are prepared to have a conversation, and then you can bring up the news honestly.It's important to remember that a bad grade doesn't define you and that your parents will still love you no matter what!
Step 1: You need to calm yourself down.
You shouldn't get too worked up before showing your parents the grade.Overthink the situation will be caused by anxiety and nervousness.This will be unimportant one day and a distant memory.You can start looking towards doing better if you explain what happened sooner.Take deep breaths and focus on things that are pleasant.If you want to take your mind off of your grade, do something that makes you happy, like playing a game or reading a book.
Step 2: Before you tell them, prepare yourself.
Think of the positives you've accomplished.You can share both good and bad news at the same time.You should come up with a plan for improvement if you can't think of anything new.A physical proof of how you plan to do better in the future is a must.Discuss the bad grade with your teacher before the meeting.Prepare a plan.Don't throw away the grade.It is possible to hide, forget, or throw away your grade.Do not do this.The bad grade is likely to come to light eventually.If the bad grade is not signed, it will be reflected in a poor grade on the report card.It is better to be honest.If you delay the news, it will be worse.
Step 3: Pick the right moment.
Break bad news in the right environment.Don't wait to tell them in a crowded area or during a family outing.During or after dinner is a good time to let them know.Talk to them when they come home from work.Before you start a serious conversation with them, give them some time to relax.If you don't know when to talk to your parents, schedule a time with them.
Step 4: Don't be disrespectful.
Don't approach the situation in a defensive or rude way.Good manners and a thoughtful approach are what your parents will respond to.You were taught to speak to your parents.Don't use inappropriate name-calling or cursing.Don't raise your voice.Stay calm and steady with your voice.
Step 5: Talk to your parents.
Ask your parents if they are available to talk when the time is right.There is a quiet and private area.As the conversation may take a while, try sitting down.You should approach your parents with seriousness.Don't be silly or upset.If you show the right behavior your parents will be more likely to approve.
Step 6: Don't explain too much.
Get to the point.Try not to build up the conversation by exaggerating the situation in your favor.You can say something like "I'm very sorry, but I didn't do very well on the exam" or something similar.
Step 7: Be honest.
Don't excuse yourself.It may seem more difficult to be dishonest about your grade.Honesty and excuses do not change your grade.You were honest with your parents and they will appreciate that.Excuses and legitimate reasons for a bad grade are different.The two should be different.The teacher made the test too hard and I didn't understand it.
Step 8: Tell them why you didn't do well.
Your parents will want an explanation if you make a simple statement.Don't be dishonest when you explain what happened.Tell them if you did not study.Tell them if you tried your best and still failed.I didn't study for the test, which led to me doing poorly on it, and I had a hard time understanding the material, so I made a bad grade.It is not your fault if it is.Tell them how you know you should have been studying more.It will show them that you've learned from your mistake.
Step 9: How will you make a change?
Tell them how you plan to improve in the future.Tell them how you will avoid distraction, or show them comments from your teacher.Set up a meeting with your teacher, turn off your phone and television, and study for at least an hour a night if you tell your parents.A well thought out plan will be more convincing than comments thought up during the conversation.
Step 10: The problem should be put into perspective.
You may be a good student.Tell your parents of this.If they remember what grades you usually give them, they won't overreact.If it is an ongoing problem, don't treat the bad grade lightly.I may have done poorly on this test, but this is a rare occurrence for me.If bad grades are a recurring problem, you could say, "I haven't been doing well in school recently, but I am going to do my best to change that."
Step 11: Listen to what your parents say.
What is best for you is what your parents want.It makes parents nervous when they think your future is in danger.Your parents probably dealt with bad grades when they were in school.Understand their concern is mostly for you, and take their advice.If they are lecturing you, don't talk back.You don't take the situation seriously if you are rude and disrespectful.It's normal for your parents to be angry or frustrated.Being physically or mentally abused is not normal.If you think you're being abused, talk to your teacher.
Step 12: Suggest a fair punishment.
Fair punishments should be offered before they give you a punishment.Tell them that you will not attend the party you were invited to if you give up television for a certain amount of time.You can show your parents that you are willing to fix the problem by doing this.
Step 13: Accept the punishment.
It is possible that your parents will not accept your suggestion for a punishment.They could decide on a different punishment.Accept the punishment either way.Don't argue with them or deny the punishment.If you are banned from television, don't watch it or sneak out.
Step 14: Give your parents the ability to stay up-to-date.
You can view your grades online in many school systems.Give the login information to them if they don't already have it.If your school does not have an online system, you can make an excel spreadsheet of your grades and give it to them weekly.Showing your parents that you care about your grades will motivate you to do better in school.
Step 15: Ask your parents if they can help.
Suggest that your parents help you with homework.Ask your parents if it is possible to get a tutor if you are having a hard time understanding your work.If you don't know how to improve, ask your parents.If you get any more bad grades in the future, your parents will be more understanding.
Step 16: Discuss any issues with your parents.
Tell them what is interfering with your education.Don't be afraid to tell them what you know.Tell them about trouble concentrating.Your parents are here to help you.Tell your teacher if you can't concentrate on your studies because of the distraction at school or home.
Step 17: Bad habits can be avoided in the future.
Bad habits can lead to low grades.If you avoid these habits in the future, you will be able to do better in your studies and avoid confrontations with your parents.Some of the bad habits are copying homework and not doing your own work.When you don't understand the material, you're not asking questions.People are cheating on exams.Forgetting the due dates of things.You should keep a calendar for your schoolwork.Failing to take notes in class.Taking notes in class will help you pay attention.