PARENTS OF Leaving Cert students getting their results this morning should keep their own feelings in check and resist offering well-meaning advice about the student’s options, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) has said.
In a bulletin issued yesterday, the society says “results week” is a difficult one for many families and receiving disappointing results could be both stressful and upsetting for everyone.
Mary Nicholson, advocacy manager with the ISPCC, said the key was for the parent to sit down calmly with the son or daughter, support them by listening and keep their own expectations in check. “If your child isn’t happy with the results they have received, the best way to support them is to let them know you are there for them. Your child will need someone to listen to them and may not be able to think ahead about other options at this stage, so well-meaning advice may not be helpful for them now.”
She said it was important parents who had had high hopes which were not realised kept their feelings to themselves. Instead, they should focus on the student’s strengths and achievements.
“This will help to build their confidence and self-belief again. There are lots of options and it’s important that your young person is supported and empowered to make their own decisions.”
Only when the disappointment dissipated should parents suggest putting some time aside to sit down and look at options in detail.
“Contact a guidance counsellor. Link in with other services that can help them to look at the options.”
Ms Nicholson warned, however: “While being down and low for a few days is a normal reaction to disappointing results, an ongoing change in mood and a loss of interest in things the young people would have usually enjoyed can be a sign they may need some more support in dealing with the issue.”
Parents knew their young person best, so if concerned about them it was important the family GP be contacted, she said.
