Talking About a Difficult School Year

June marks the end of the school year and — for many families — a chance to finally exhale. But for those whose children struggled academically, it's time for an important conversation: Talking to your child about a difficult school year doesn't have to be uncomfortable. In fact, handled well, it can be one of the most connecting and productive conversations you have all summer!

Lead with Curiosity

Resist the urge to start the conversation with grades or performance. Instead, ask open-ended questions: What was the hardest part of this year? What did you enjoy? What do you wish had gone differently? Students who feel heard are far more likely to engage honestly with their parents.

Separate Struggle from Identity

Be deliberate about the language you use. A child who had a hard year in math is not bad at math — they just encountered material that hasn't fully clicked yet. Students who internalize struggle as identity ("I'm just not good at English," "Math just isn't my thing," etc.) tend to avoid subjects they find challenging rather than identify and overcome learning gaps. Ultimately, this internalization compounds the problem over time.

Plan Together

The most productive version of this conversation ends with a next step for your child — something tangible that they have some ownership over. Whether that's a summer reading goal, a tutoring plan, or simply an agreement to approach the next year differently, involvement builds investment!

At ILMS, we work with students and families to turn a difficult school year into a strong start to the next one. Our expert tutors offer individualized sessions across all subjects and grade levels. To learn more, contact us at (708) 581-8617 or ilms_office@ilmstutor.com, or book a free initial consult today!