Parents need to be their kids’ support structure no matter what.  

This can be especially challenging when they fail a grade at school. How does a parent deal with this disappointment?  

What to say to a child who has failed:

• Firstly, do not be judgemental
• Ask the child how he/she feels
• Don’t make them feel like a failure
• Don’t compare them to other children
• Assure them that things will get better
• Don’t use words like “shame”
• Don’t be angry at him/her
• Don’t make snarly comments 

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Lynne Cawood, the director of Childline Gauteng, who spoke ahead of the re-opening of schools with City Press. Childline is a nonprofit organisation that provides counseling services to children and families in need after incidents of sexual abuse or violence.

She said, "as thousands of learners, including kids in the lowest grades who failed the previous year, get ready to repeat the same class this year, City Press contacted Cawood, a psychologist."

According to Cawood, getting a bad score can be upsetting for young children and, if parents and instructions don't manage it effectively, might lead to the child becoming disheartened. The child can suffer from behavioural issues or lose their self-esteem.

What is Childline?

According to Wikipedia, Childline South Africa is a nonprofit organization that promotes children's rights in South Africa and works to protect children from harm. Over 1 million calls are answered each year by Childline's 24-hour, toll-free telephone counseling service for kids and adults. Childline provides resources like online counseling, CPD training programs, court preparation training, and workshops on child law in addition to the Crisis Line telephone counseling service.

More information about Childline South Africa.

Formation: 1986

Purpose: Child Rights

•       Prevention
•       Education
•       Counseling
•        Lobbying
•        Advocacy

Headquarters: 24 Eastwood Road, Durban, South Africa

Region served: South Africa

National Executive Director: Dumisile Nala

Website: www.childlinesa.org.za