Talk to your child. Find out why she thinks her grades may be suffering. Ask if there are any problems at school or with friends that are interfering with her grades. Talk about any issues at home that may be worrying her or causing any upset. Listen to her and discuss strategies for coping with any problems she has.
Talk to your child's teacher. Find out if there are any specific issues that could be causing him to struggle with his work. Ask if there is anything you can be doing at home to help your child through any difficulties. For example, see if extra homework or websites that may offer help.
Get organized. Provide your child with a planner in which she can make a note of any assignments, and where she can note down important information. Check her planner to ensure she is writing down her homework and that it is being done. If your child is particularly disorganized, work with her teacher so that she can be reminded to make notes about assignments.
Provide a positive learning environment at home. Give your child somewhere quiet to work, away from distractions like the television or noisy siblings. Make sure your child gets enough sleep so that he can concentrate at school; consider removing televisions and game consoles from bedrooms so that he goes to sleep at bedtime. Ensure he is eating properly; a balanced diet will help with concentration.
Let your child have some time off. Give her space to relax and recharge her batteries. Try to have at least two days a week when she can choose what she wants to do and can forget about schoolwork.
Praise and encourage your child. Build his self-esteem and help him to develop a "can-do" attitude. Be patient and have realistic expectations. Remember that not everyone can have brilliant grades in every subject. Praise the effort that he makes rather than his results; if he has really tried his best but his grades are still not fantastic, let him know that you are proud that he put in his best effort.