How do I support them in trying again after repeated low marks? 

Parenting Perspective 

Repeated low marks can be especially discouraging for a child. They can begin to feel stuck, hopeless, or start to believe that no matter how much they try, things will never improve. If this is not handled carefully, their discouragement can lead to them giving up altogether. Your role is to keep their hope alive, show them that progress is always possible, and guide them to try again with renewed strategies and confidence. 

Acknowledge Their Discouragement 

Begin with empathy so they feel genuinely understood: 

• ‘I can see that you must feel tired of trying so hard and not getting the results you had hoped for.’ 

• ‘It must be so frustrating to work hard and still see low marks on your tests.’ 

This shows them that you are on their side, not simply standing over them and demanding improvement. 

Reframe Low Marks as Feedback 

Help your child to see their marks as useful information rather than as final verdicts on their ability: 

• ‘Your marks do not mean you cannot succeed; they just show us where you might need more practice.’ 

• ‘Low marks are like signposts that tell us which areas we need to focus on together.’ 

This helps to shift the meaning of the marks from a final failure to a useful opportunity for growth. 

Break the Cycle With Small Wins 

Children need to be able to see tangible progress in order to stay motivated. You can help them by focusing on small wins: 

• Set one small, achievable goal at a time, such as improving their spelling in five new words, rather than aiming for a full grade jump all at once. 

• Use short, regular practice sessions instead of long, exhausting study periods. 

• Celebrate every small step of progress: ‘You got two more questions correct than last time! That is real progress.’ 

This approach helps to build their confidence gradually and sustainably. 

Encourage Persistence, Not Perfection 

Remind your child that the key to learning is not achieving instant results, but applying steady effort over time: 

• ‘Each time you try again, you are building your strength and knowledge, even if the marks are still low.’ 

• ‘What matters most is that you do not give up. Every attempt makes you better prepared for the next one.’ 

This focus encourages resilience over a sense of despair. 

Practical Strategies for Parents 

• Change study methods: If one style is not working, try introducing visual aids, group study sessions, or doing practice tests. 

• Seek support: A teacher, a tutor, or even an older sibling can often provide extra guidance and a fresh perspective. 

• Balance the pressure: Encourage them to put in the effort without making their academic marks the sole focus of their self-worth. 

• Model resilience: Share a personal story of how you faced repeated setbacks in your own life before you finally achieved success. 

By ensuring your response is always calm and supportive, you help your child to see that trying again is not a punishment, but a brave step towards growth. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, repeated setbacks are not a sign of weakness but a chance to show sabr (patience) and tawakkul (trust in Allah). Sincere effort is always valued by Allah, even when the worldly results are slow to appear. Teaching this to your child helps them to see that trying again has its own spiritual worth, regardless of the marks. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Inshiqaaq (84), Verse 6: 

‘O mankind indeed, you have endeavoured (to meet and know about) your Sustainer, with great exertion, then you shall (finally) meet Him.’ 

This verse reminds us that life itself is a journey of constant effort and striving. What truly matters is not the speed of our success, but our persistence and sincerity along the way. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1970, that the holy Prophet Muhammad said: 

‘The deeds most beloved to Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.’ 

This hadith teaches that consistency is more valuable than grand but inconsistent efforts. For a child, this means that making steady and consistent attempts to improve, even after receiving repeated low marks, is a quality that is beloved to Allah Almighty. 

By teaching your child these principles, you nurture both their resilience and their faith. They will learn that every effort they make counts in the sight of Allah Almighty, and that showing patience in the face of setbacks brings with it both personal growth and spiritual reward. 

Over time, they will see that trying again is not about chasing perfection but about showing perseverance, sincerity, and trust. With this mindset, repeated low marks are transformed from roadblocks into stepping stones, shaping them into resilient learners and strong believers who never give up hope.