Underachievement is defined as when a student performs academically at a level below his or her actually ability. A teenager might fail math and not finish homework assignments, yet when he or she takes standardized exams it becomes quickly clear that the teen is bright and intelligent. Parents are frustrated, and many teachers simply give up on the underachieving child. These kids often end up in special needs classes that cater more to children with learning disabilities. The problem often only gets worse when this happens, as the teen is even less stimulated by the learning environment.
Underachievement can be due to many issues, from undiagnosed learning disabilities to boredom in the classroom. Even the brightest of students can do poorly in school if they do not feel motivated and challenged by the curriculum, teachers, and environment.
According to the theories of psychologist Abraham Maslow, children need to feel a sense of safety and security as well as a feeling of love and belongingness to meet their "hierarchy of needs." If the teen does not feel safe in school or loved at home, these can contribute to underachievement.
If your teen is bright and capable but not working at his or her level of ability, there are a number of approaches you can take to motivate them. Creative solutions may be needed, but the worst thing that can happen to an underachieving adolescent is to have their teachers and parents decide this is all they are capable of achieving.
SUWS Wilderness Programs, the nations longest continuously operating therapeutic wilderness program, has now been serving youth in crisis and their families for an unprecedented 30 consecutive years. more...
Health officials in Iowa's Polk County Health Department are advising parents to talk to their teens about the negative impact of alcohol use in order to reduce levels of adolescent and teen substance abuse. more...
In most cases, teen cutting isn't a sign of suicidal thoughts or attempts. Here are a few reasons teens engage in self-harm. more...
Giving back to their community can work wonders for your teenager's self-esteem, improve their grades and give them something to look forward to instead of spending yet another weekend mindlessly staring at a screen. more...
Leadership skills help teens deal with peer pressure and become better managers of themselves. more...
There is a place where parents can turn to provide their troubled teen daughters - and themselves - with the guidance and professional assistance they need to achieve the healthy and productive lives they desire. Copper Canyon Academy offers the structure, rituals and fun of a traditional girls' boarding school, combined with the specialized therapeutic support that can address their unique needs. more...
Some schools, particularly emotional growth boarding schools, specialize in problems of poor motivation and underachievement. more...
Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is characterized by an extremely distressing fear of social situations, of being watched or judged by others, and of being embarrassed. Children with the disorder avoid everyday activities and situations such as playing with other kids, reading in class, and speaking to adults. more...