Distance Learning is a Time for Teens to Let Go of Getting an 'A'

During these trying times, experts want high-performing teens to stop trying to grind their success and give themselves a break instead. They also want to instill a reminder that a national pause to everyone's hustle does not equate to failure.

Difficulty in transitioning

To make sure that students have enough resources for virtual learning during the pandemic, school districts, and institutions across different states in the country are implementing different kinds of measures. However, the transition from traditional classrooms to virtual education seems to be in no way a smooth one; teens are especially having a difficult time regarding this new prescribed learning method of theirs.

Many schools have opted to a pass/fail grading system for the remainder of the school year 2019-2020, to at least be able to lessen the burden or stress that students are already feeling. For many who struggle to keep up with their course work at home, this is a great relief. Nevertheless, those who worked hard in maintaining their strong GPA were left to wonder what this means for their future.

College dilemma

When applying in most colleges and universities, having a high GPA is the number one priority for many students. Students use their good standing in school as a way to have an edge among other applicants. That is why the sudden change in the grading system has left many teens in a panic about their plans for getting into their dream schools. However, experts have an answer for their dilemmas; stop worrying!

Kate Irving, a College Counselor in McLean, Virginia, explained that students should do what they can in the context of their own reality. After all, no one is expecting them to be perfect during these unprecedented times. She also added that admissions officers will look for reasons to admit each student, and not by what their grades were while in quarantine. Irving emphasized that they are more than their GPA and test scores and that colleges see that.

Parental help in relaxing

Just like their parents, it is time for teens to prioritize self-care and emotional health. Stressing about their grades and academic standing is not the road to good mental health when the world is in crisis.

For parents who have teens who strive for straight A's every semester, dropping the behavior of grade perfectionism will not be like flipping off a switch. It will take time and self-compassion, which as parents, you can help instill.

You need to remind your teens to be kind to themselves, treat themselves with compassion, and cut themselves some slack. You can model these behaviors and let your teens know that it is okay to chill and loosen the reins on their studies a little and take care of themselves.

An effective way to be able to get through this is for teens and parents to first understand that they cannot do everything. It is time to let go of their grind and their hustle. It is time to relax and lose their perfectionist behaviors even for a little while.

These are unprecedented and trying times. It is okay to just do and be okay, and not try to excel.