How to Talk to Your Child on Result Day: 7 Do’s and Don’ts Every Parent Must Know

Result day can be one of the most emotionally charged days in a child’s academic journey. Whether they’ve scored exceptionally well or fallen short of expectations, how parents respond plays a vital role in shaping their child’s self-esteem, future motivation, and overall mental well-being.

For many students, especially those balancing studies with extracurricular activities, result day is not just about marks—it’s about validation. As a parent, your words and actions can make a significant difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 essential do’s and don’ts every parent must know when talking to their child on result day.

Why Your Reaction on Result Day Matters

Your child is looking to you for support, approval, and reassurance. A reaction that’s too harsh can lead to anxiety, shame, or even long-term emotional damage. On the other hand, a well-balanced, understanding approach can motivate them to improve and view challenges positively.

Whether your child attends school in Kochi, Thrissur, or anywhere across Kerala, the pressure to perform academically can be intense. That’s why it’s important for parents to understand their role as emotional anchors—especially on days like this.

 7 Do’s for Talking to Your Child on Result Day

1. Do Stay Calm and Composed

Before asking for the report card or result, take a deep breath. Whether the marks are good or disappointing, your calm demeanor sets the tone for a healthy conversation.

Tip: Prepare yourself mentally to accept any result. Remember, this is not the final verdict on your child’s potential.

2. Do Praise the Effort, Not Just the Outcome

Instead of focusing only on the marks, acknowledge the hard work your child has put in.

Say things like:

• “I saw how late you studied.”
• “I know you tried your best.”

Recognizing effort fosters a growth mindset, helping children understand that intelligence can be developed over time.

3. Do Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of bombarding them with “Why did you get low marks?” try asking:

• “How do you feel about your results?”
• “What do you think helped you perform well?”
• “What could be done differently next time?”

This encourages self-reflection and opens a dialogue rather than a confrontation.

4. Do Offer Support for Improvement

If the results are not as expected, show that you’re there to help. Discuss practical steps such as:

• Making better study schedules.
• Seeking guidance from tutors.
• Considering academic support like tuition classes.

At New10s, we specialize in helping students improve their performance through personalized tuition programs, both online and offline. A structured learning environment can be a game-changer for children who need that extra push.

5. Do Celebrate Small Wins

Even if your child didn’t score top marks, there may be areas where they’ve improved. Celebrate progress—be it a better grade in one subject or an increase in overall percentage.

This boosts confidence and motivation to continue progressing.

6. Do Emphasize Emotional Well-being

Check on how your child is feeling emotionally. Result day can trigger stress, especially if comparisons are made with siblings or peers.

Offer assurance: “Your marks don’t define you. I love you for who you are.”

7. Do Encourage Goal-Setting

Help your child set small, achievable academic goals. Instead of saying “You must get 90% next time,” say:

• “Let’s aim to improve your science grade by 10 marks.”
• “How about dedicating one hour daily for maths practice?”

Setting measurable goals gives your child direction and control.

7 Don’ts for Talking to Your Child on Result Day

1. Don’t Compare with Other Students

Comparisons breed resentment and lower self-worth. Every child is unique with different strengths and learning paces.

Instead of “Your cousin scored better,” try, “Let’s focus on how you can improve.”

2. Don’t Shame or Punish

Scolding or punishing children for bad results only adds fear. Instead of learning from their mistakes, they begin to hide or lie about their performance.

Let your home be a safe space, not a place of judgment.

3. Don’t Jump to Conclusions

Low grades don’t always mean laziness or lack of ability. There could be multiple reasons:

• Difficulty understanding a subject.
• Distractions or stress.
• Learning disorders.

Be patient before making assumptions.

4. Don’t Make It All About Marks

Academic results are just one part of a child’s development. Creativity, communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are equally important.

Focus on nurturing a well-rounded learner, not just a high scorer.

5. Don’t Overreact

Avoid making statements like:

• “You’ve ruined your future.”
• “I’m ashamed of you.”

These words leave scars. Stay composed and remind your child that improvement is always possible.

6. Don’t Ignore Signs of Distress

Some children may bottle up emotions. If your child becomes unusually quiet, anxious, or withdrawn after results, don’t ignore it.

Encourage them to talk. If needed, consider speaking to a student counselor or mentor.

7. Don’t Delay Intervention

If your child constantly struggles with academics, waiting for another poor result isn’t the solution.

Proactive steps like joining a tuition centre, getting subject-specific coaching, or improving study habits can make a big difference.

At New10s, we provide expert support in core subjects like mathematics, science, and English—online and offline—across Kerala, including Kochi, Thrissur, and Aluva.

Final Thoughts: Be Their Coach, Not Their Critic

As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. On result day, your words carry more weight than the marks on a report card. Guide them, support them, and help them understand that results are a reflection of where they are, not who they are.

A supportive conversation can inspire your child to bounce back stronger and become a resilient, motivated learner.

Looking for Extra Support?

If you feel your child can benefit from expert academic guidance, New10s is here to help. We offer:

• Personalized tuition classes (online and offline)
• Crash courses in mathematics
• Exam preparation support
• Flexible timing for school-going students

Explore how our experienced tutors can help your child unlock their full potential. Visit www.new10s.in today.