WHY GOOD KIDS GET BAD GRADES

Educators Linda and Alvin J. Silbert guide parents and caregivers to assist high-potential children who are struggling academically.

In the wake of a global pandemic, a shift to online life, a growing number of mass shootings across the U.S., and countless other stressors, more and more young people are struggling in school. This book aims to empower parents and caregivers to support their children’s well-being, both in the classroom and out of it. (“It’s your job…to help your child become an emotionally, socially, and intellectually strong adult who is successful and independent.”) The authors make it clear that schooling should be kept in perspective and that having free time to unwind, think, and relax is crucial for overall success in life. They identify four key categories of causes for kids to have difficulty at school: physical, social, educational, and psychological or emotional issues. To face the social and emotional challenges of school and life, they present the STRONG framework, which prioritizes self-esteem, trust, responsibility, options, needs, and goals. The Silberts observe that a child who’s constantly fighting with their parents may retreat to their phone; a child with learning disabilities may worry about the opinions of their peers; and a child dealing with grief may need to tackle the root causes in addition to the obvious symptoms. Having strong support networks at home can allow children to build the resilience they need to succeed—which requires of parents and caregivers both physical and emotional availability, as well as leading by example and being willing to trust in order to be trusted. The authors identify other key factors that can hinder educational success, including disorganization, procrastination, fatigue, stress, slow working speeds, ineffectual attempts at multitasking, and a lack of motivation. They emphasize the importance of knowing how (and what) to study, and of determining whether an underlying cause—such as dyslexia or a language disorder—is at play in academic struggles. Finally, the Silberts acknowledge that some factors are outside the control of parents, caregivers, and students; with funding cuts, classrooms are increasingly run-down and overcrowded, and disciplinary strategies may be outdated. In the face of such challenges, the authors assert that it’s vital that parents and caregivers understand the many ways in which they can support their children—not just for the sake of their grades, but for their overall happiness.

The Silberts offer a comprehensive and accessibly written guide for parents and caregivers in search of strategies to best help their children succeed. Case studies of individual children effectively illustrate how the issues the authors discuss can present and clearly show the wide variety of factors that can influence a child’s experience in school. The text includes practical checklists and guidance tailored to different age groups. While some of the examples tend toward the extreme and lack the nuance some readers might appreciate (such as accounts of parents screeching at or grabbing their children), most of the authors’ advice is widely applicable and well worth enacting. The Silberts consistently acknowledge the potential in the children they discuss, and young students are likely to benefit from a parent or caregiver who’s ready to take the guidance the book provides to heart.

A strong guide for helping children succeed in school.