5 tips for parents with kids who did not perform well in SPM

Your child approaches you sullenly, slowly unfolding a moist piece of paper; it's their result slip. They are devastated, and so are you.

All that hard work, extra tuition classes, money spent on Mindful Raisins only to have their SPM result peppered with RED.

As a loving and caring parent who wants nothing less than the best for your children, what CAN you do?

1. Remember, there’s more to life after SPM

Previously there had been news of stressed students committing suicide for getting unsatisfactory results in their SPM. There are many reasons for a student who got straight As during trials to find their actual SPM result to plummet.

Ensure that your children know that they are loved as a person, and not a walking exam result slip. Show your support by providing them with other options, such as...

2. Consider retaking SPM

There are several ways to resit for SPM. The first step is to sit for SPM paper in July (retake Bahasa Malaysia and Mathematics paper). The other step is to become a private SPM candidate by retaking all subjects for SPM.

The registration for the July SPM paper starts in the month of March. Therefore, if your child decides on retaking SPM, you can help them prepare early so they may pass with flying colours this time around.

3. Identify their strongest subjects

If you have never met with your child's school counselor and teachers, this might be the time to do so.

Once you and your child have identified their strongest subjects, you can search for non-competitive courses that suit their interest, passion and the particular subjects that they are good at. Then you can do some reading on which university or institution that offers those courses.

4. Consider taking technical courses

There are several technical courses such as vocational college, polytechnics or technique colleges that do not require excellent SPM results. These technical courses focus more on technical skills like mechanical or welding skills.

Therefore, your children can maximize their strength by focusing on vocational fields that suit their ability and passion. Not to mention there is currently an increase in job demand for graduates from the technical sector.

5. Pursue an early career path

Sometimes, the best lessons you find are not in school but in real life.

If your child requires more time to decide on their pathway after SPM, or you do not have enough financial support to continue their higher education in private institutions, there is no shame in working entry-level jobs.

By doing so, not only will they have the opportunity to gain experience, they will also be able to earn some extra pocket money and contribute to your family’s income. It will also provide space to develop perspective before continuing to pursue a tertiary education.