1. Set expectations. Not every child will earn all A's, but that doesn't mean your child should strive for anything less. Discuss expectations before the school year starts. Let your child know that he doesn't have to bring home straight A's, but he does have to try his hardest and ask for help when he needs it.


2. Communicate. Don't wait until a poor report card comes home to talk about school and grades. Have the conversation nightly and weekly. Ask how she is doing in school and what subjects she finds challenging.

1. Talk to your child's teacher and/or guidance counselor -- they are your allies in your campaign to help your child succeed in school. Your child's teacher can pinpoint the areas where he's having difficulty and suggest ways to help him improve. Guidance counselors can provide progress reports between report cards or help set up parent-teacher conferences when necessary.


2. Set realistic improvement goals. No matter how hard she works, if your child is currently a C student, expecting her to make straight A's might not be realistic. Instead, have her work toward more attainable improvement goals you set for each subject.


3. Create a study plan with your child. Help him make a schedule of classes, assignments and important dates. His schedule should include time for studying, projects and extracurricular activities.

ARA Content