These 7 Habits Prevent Higher Grades in School

by Rachel Esco February 06, 2018

habits prevent learning

If all kids worked their hardest, we'd have fewer headaches, and never, EVER have to plead for better results like desperate, grade-hungry beggars.

We ardently want our kids to work harder, reach higher, be more mindful -- and basically, just care more! However, if it's a choice between practicing their selfie skills or editing their homework, we know which task they prefer. Homework-- ha, no!

Okay though, in all seriousness, if you're exacerbated from all those lectures you give your kid about why grades matter, here's some indispensable insight! It's time you learn these 7 habits that prevent higher grades in school.

1. Arrogance

A kid who thinks they know it all won't work as hard. This sense of arrogance doesn't necessarily have to be about their intelligence level. It could be just a matter of general pride.

When a kid is consumed by arrogance, they feel entitled to success, but aren't necessarily prepared to work hard for it. They're too stubborn to realize that higher grades come from a willingness to learn from others and accept guidance and criticism along the way.

If they're too blinded by a grand self-image, they'll continue to expect great things in their life, such as high grades, without making the essential sacrifices needed to earn these benefits.

2. Inability to self-accommodate

Awareness of one's own weaknesses is vital for success. By understanding your weaknesses, you're able to accommodate your needs to work better and deliver higher quality results.

For example, let's consider the child who tends to daydream in class. Maybe they're imagining what kind of food they want to eat for lunch. Then, before you know it, the teacher's done giving instructions, and the kid's running around anxiously, asking their friends what the heck they're supposed to do. When a child is continually disoriented and confused, due to poor listening skills, they'll get lower grades-- even if they're smart!

Kids need to be aware and mature about their weakness, whether it's listening skills or taking responsibility, so they can work on these strategies to succeed.

3. Ignoring teacher's feedback

A teacher's feedback matters. If year after year, your child ignores their teacher's suggestions, they'll stunt their academic growth.

Let's take report card comments, for instance. Most children don't give a fluff about the comment section. Why? Because they're programmed to fixate on the most immediate information: the grades.

Yet the comment section is extremely important! It serves to specify the areas where they need improvement. Unfortunately, they often tune out this information (like they do to us) because it's hard work to think about a long-term plan for self-growth. Well you know what, kiddies? Life is tough. Deal with it!

4. Poor time-management

Decisions, decisions. These days, kids are faced with so many stimulating distractions: social media, reality TV, drama with friends-- you name it! So as you can see, being a millennial is tough-- but what's harder is being a millennial with good time-management skills. Yikes!

The problem is that in their minds, assignments and due dates are like clouds. Meaning, they seem kind of abstract, a type of obligation that floats around in space, far away from their immediate concerns. Or simply put, if they can't see it, it's not there.

Eventually, they know the work must get done, but until such time, that responsibility is tucked away with all the other things they detest, like waking up early or cleaning their rooms.

Force your kids to log their due dates into their phones. They should have all assignments entered into their notes app and iCloud. This way, they can't take the whole out-of-sight-out-of-mind approach to getting things done. Sorry kiddo!

5. Laziness

Laziness is a big one. It can be caused by many different factors-- most often, from spoiling your kids.

If you're always buying them cool new stuff, but they're getting 60's in school, why are you rewarding them? Did they accomplish something impressive to warrant these things? Give them a good, old and hearty dose of tough love and stop this nonsense!

Now repeat these words, "No, I'm not giving you a ride to the mall-- go read a book!"

Mind you, laziness can also be caused by poor self-esteem. A kid who's lacking confidence is less likely to strive for their best. And that brings us to our next issue...

6. Poor self-esteem

Loving yourself inspires you to strive higher. But when kids have low self-esteem, they are hesitant to take academic risks due to their fear of failure. Could you imagine trying your best, only to get a low mark? This can greatly threaten their sense of personal pride and confidence.

For this reason, kids need to have a healthier relationship with themselves, so they can handle disappointments and criticism from their teachers and parents. With this inner strength, they'll be less hindered by setbacks, like low test scores, and become more motivated to improve their weaknesses-- without fear!

There are many ways to improve a child's self-esteem. They can partake in leadership programs, join a school club or start a new hobby, like rock climbing.

7. Misses instructions

When kids miss instructions, it's caused by one of two issues: they either have a learning disability or they simply just don't give a flip!

Whichever reason, if they continue to dismiss details in the instructions, they'll never fully complete all the steps in a task. So, just from this silly carelessness, they may score approximately ten marks lower on an assignment!

Want to know how to help them along? Here's how to help your kid follow instructions!