Fear of Report Cards

Once again, it has happened. My bright fifth-grader is extremely anxious because report-card time is coming. His fear of report cards just gets worse each year. He says: "I got C grades on a few quizzes. I might not make the honor roll." What can I do to help him relax, as he really is a good student? -- Report-Card Worrier
Answer: First of all, you need to make sure that you are not putting so much emphasis on grades and report cards that he is afraid of disappointing you. Even if you don't voice your expectations, he might believe that you expect him to get all "A" grades and be on the honor roll every time. There is another possibility. Your son might be a perfectionist who can't face the possibility of getting less than excellent grades.
Try to convey a very low-key attitude toward report cards and grades. Don't ask: "How did you do on a quiz or test?" or "Was your homework done correctly?" Instead ask: "What did you enjoy doing in school today?" To further de-emphasize his fear of report cards, look at his work every day and stress what he has learned rather then comment on the grade. And avoid giving awards for getting good grades.
Your son needs to start regarding a lower grade as a sign that he has not mastered some content rather than a disaster that means a lower report-card grade. Encourage him to focus on learning what he doesn't know. Try also to help him become more realistic about grades and understand that they reflect all the work that he does in a grading period rather than just a few poor scores.