School report: Is it important to reward your child for passing?
Educational Psychologist, Avika Daya, shares advice on the best way parents should celebrate their child passing and how to encourage those who have not made it through,
The 2022 academic year has come to end.
Most scholars will be receiving their reports.
As a parent or guardian, how important is it to reward your child for passing his or her grade?
Educational Psychologist, Avika Daya, says the decision to reward your child for passing is personal, however, she cautions that the motivation to pass should not be based on the gift the child receives from you.
"When they do pass, it is then your choice if you want to take them out for an ice-cream or buy their favourite toy, etc. I wouldn't call it a necessity, but rather a personal choice.
"Children should want to pass for their own sense of pride and accomplishment. The motivation should ideally come from within them and not something external," says Avika.
The Educational Psychologist shares advice on the best way parents can support their children to prosper academically.
"We can motivate this inner motivation from a young age by always acknowledging how hard they've tried; how they have improved, based on their own best; by not comparing them to siblings but rather to themselves; and always letting them know that we are proud and that they should be proud of themselves," she says.
READ: Expert advice on how to help your child study effectively at home
Supporting a child who failed
For parents of children who didn't pass, Avika says: "It's important for your child to know that you have their back, whether they pass or fail. They will probably be feeling bad enough and embarrassed about failing already."
She also warns parents against using harsh words when they are disappointed in their children's marks.
"It's natural to show disappointment when your child has failed but be mindful about the words you use. The failing has now already happened, so focus on a plan going forward after everyone has had some space," she said.
The Educational Psychologist says parents can look at how to ensure their child prospers in the next academic year.
This can be done through getting them a tutor for subjects they struggle in or maybe changing schools.
"If it's matric, how do we retake subjects? What are the options?" she concludes.