Poor report card? Encourage without crushing self-esteem (opens in new tab)

How you respond to a poor report card teaches your child more about themselves than any grade can. When you lead with curiosity instead of judgment, name the effort behind the work, and treat the grade as data rather than verdict, you preserve the relationship that motivates future growth. A child who feels safe bringing bad news home will keep bringing it—and will keep trying. A child who feels shamed will hide, avoid, or stop trying altogether.