Is your child struggling to complete homework and perform well on tests? Or do they sometimes feel criticized by adults because they seem disorganized or scattered? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what I call the academic “Doom Loop” and explore why some students fall into it and, more importantly, how you can help your child break free and build confidence.
What is the Academic Doom Loop?
The Doom Loop is a challenging cycle for students that begins with a disappointing grade. When a student receives a poor grade, they often face criticism from teachers, parents, and peers, which can severely dent their confidence.
This decreased confidence often leads to reduced effort in school, further contributing to another bad grade. This destructive cycle can repeat endlessly, making it essential for parents and educators to intervene.
Why do some students get caught in the Doom Loop?
The first step in helping your child escape the Doom Loop is trying to identify the underlying causes. Common reasons that students earn poor grades include:
1. Lack of Understanding: Sometimes, students struggle because they don’t fully grasp the content they’re learning in class. This could be due to a learning disability, undiagnosed ADHD, or simply difficulty in focusing and staying organized.
2. Weak Executive Functioning: Weak executive function skills can hinder a student’s ability to plan, stay organized, manage time, and combat procrastination. These skills are crucial for academic success.
3. A Combination of Both: In many cases, bad grades are the result of a combination of a lack of content understanding and weak executive function skills. This synergy can result in a student who struggles with goal-directed behavior, where students fail to see the purpose behind their academic tasks.
4. Mental Health Issues: Stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues can also be significant contributors to poor academic performance. If your child is struggling with one of these issues, we recommend seeking help from the school’s psychologist or an outside professional.
How to Address Your Child’s Lack of Content Understanding
If your child is having difficulty understanding the content they’re learning in class, it’s essential to figure out why. For cumulative subjects where concepts build upon one another, like math and math-based sciences, falling behind can be particularly challenging. Seeking help from the teacher or a tutor is the best way to effectively address learning gaps.
Effective tutoring goes beyond remedial intervention. It involves helping students with their current coursework, previewing upcoming material, and teaching fundamental study skills.
Two key study strategies to help students earn higher grades and break free of the Doom Loop are:
1. Distributive Practice: Encourage your child to break up study sessions into smaller, spaced-out chunks over several days rather than cramming for an upcoming test. This approach enhances retention and understanding.
2. Self-Testing: Effective studying includes a student self-testing their knowledge. This is when they create practice tests or revisit their study guides without looking at the answers to help reinforce learning.
Tackling Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is a common issue that can hinder performance. To help prevent it, ensure your child practices in the same format as their actual test, whether it’s multiple-choice, essays, or another format. Additionally, encourage them to perform a “brain dump” by writing down their worries before a test, as research suggests this can reduce anxiety and improve performance.
How to Address Your Child’s Weak Executive Functioning
Spotting signs of weak executive function skills in your child is a positive step toward providing them with the support they need to thrive and stay out of the Doom Loop. These skills cover a wide range of cognitive processes, from organization and time management to impulse control and goal-setting. If you notice your child having difficulty maintaining focus, managing their time, problem-solving, or occasionally forgetting assignments, see it as an opportunity for growth in their executive function abilities.
Bringing in an executive function (EF) coach can transform your child’s academic journey. Through one-on-one sessions, your child’s EF coach will offer practical techniques and strategies to match your child’s learning style. This could include using visual schedules, calendaring assignments, and fun goal-setting exercises. By creating a supportive and organized learning environment, an executive function coach empowers your child to develop self-awareness, resilience, and newfound confidence in their ability to tackle academic obstacles.
Effective Communication to Help Break the Doom Loop
Communication plays a pivotal role in helping your child climb out of the Doom Loop. When your child earns a bad grade, it’s crucial to approach the situation thoughtfully and empathetically. Here are three effective ways to communicate with your child about grades:
- Schedule a specific time to talk with your child. When the moment is heated and negative energy is running high, it’s best to give the situation some distance. For example, if your child comes home with a bad grade, say to them, “Hey, can we talk about this after dinner tonight? How about 7:00?” Creating a designated time for the discussion helps avoid impulsive reactions and ensures both you and your child are in the right mindset.
- Approach the conversation with an open and non-punitive attitude. Use phrases like, “I’ve noticed math has become really difficult. Tell me about it,” or “Help me understand what’s happening in math.” Frame the discussion as a collaborative effort to learn about their challenges rather than a punitive measure. Your goal is to be a detective, to peel back the layers of the onion and uncover what’s going on beneath the surface.
- Empathize with their school performance. In most cases, your child will be more forthcoming if they feel that you understand and empathize with their struggles. Saying something like, “I see, I get it, I know it’s really hard,” can go a long way in making your child comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Encourage them to talk openly because without knowing the reasons behind their difficulties, it’s challenging to provide the right support and guidance.
By fostering open and understanding communication, you can create a safe space for your child to discuss their academic challenges. This proactive approach can help prevent the Doom Loop and set the stage for collaborative solutions to improve their performance. Remember, your child’s well-being and growth should always be at the forefront of your discussions.
Seeking Professional Academic Support to Help Your Child Get Out of the Doom Loop
The Doom Loop can be a tough cycle to break, but with support and the right strategies, your child can overcome it. Every child is unique, so it may take some time to identify the specific causes and solutions for their academic struggles. Stay patient, stay positive, and believe in your child’s potential for success.
If you suspect your child’s academic struggles go beyond what you can address at home, we’re here for you. Our tutors and executive function coaches can provide tailored support to help your child navigate their academic challenges and build confidence: