These students are often identified by comparing their school test performances to the scores they make on mental ability tests and standardized achievement tests. Whereas an underachiever may or may not

be a discipline problem in school, a number of them do poorly
in their studies. Regardless how an underachiever is described, they all have two things in common. First, they perform below their learning potential. Second, they give excuses for not doing better in their school studies, for example, “I don’t understand,” “I forgot,” “It’s too hard,” “The teacher doesn’t like me,” “It is not fair,” and “I just can’t do any better.”

Whereas underachievers may score well on achievement
and mental ability tests, they don’t always do well in their school assignments. They tend to drag their feet on assignments, make excuses for failure, and are satisfied with getting by even though
they could do better. In addition, their organizational and time- management skills are less than desirable. By the time underachievers reach the upper elementary and middle school grade levels, they don’t (a) respect time restraints, (b) practice good study skills, and/or (c) work well independently.

Some parents blame themselves for their underachieving children; others consider their children to be lazy. The problem is usually much deeper, though laziness can be a factor. God’s plan is for every child to know Him personally, to learn about about the world He created, and to do one’s best in school. Most underachievers have average to above-average learning potential. But how much potential is reached depends on a child’s desire to learn and on the parents’ and the school’s commitment to develop each child’s learning potential.

If your child is making B’s and C’s with an occasional A when he could easily make A’s, your child is an underachiever. But don’t confuse this scenario with a child who is putting forth his very
best effort, yet makes B’s and C’s. There is a significant difference between a child who has the intellectual aptitude to make A’s and one who has an excellent work ethic but struggles to make an A in any academic course.

Before jumping to any conclusions about your child, ask yourself this question: “Do you know for certain that your child is

doing his best work in school?” If your answer is “yes,” your child is not an underachiever, and you should be satisfied with his grades and effort. But if your answer is “no” or you “don’t know,” consider the following underachievement indicators as they relate to your child.

1. Lack of motivation. Ability is not the issue with an underachiever. Simply stated, the underachiever lacks the willpower to get serious about learning. This attitude, more of
   a motivational and behavioral problem than an ability problem, can be resolved by loving, caring parents and teachers. At home, encourage your child to invest the time and effort needed to complete his work independently, though you may need to help him at times, especially in the area of motivation.

2. Lack of self-confidence. Because underachievers lack self- confidence, they tend to criticize themselves and the work they do. They may think they are doing their best, but instead they
   do just enough to get by. Your child must take responsibility for completing his school work. Positive attitudes and encouragement at home and school will build self-confidence. Stay in contact with your child’s teacher, and give your child reason to believe in himself and to depend on the Lord Jesus Christ for strength and guidance.

3. Failure to manage time wisely. The underachiever tends to spend too much time avoiding school work, wasting time on social media, and giving up on material that appears too difficult to learn. Check your child’s school assignments. If he needs assistance, help him, but only as needed. You want your child to become an independent learner. To do this, he must become a wise manager of time.

4. Absence of challenging academic goals. The underachiever usually sets academic goals that can be met with minimal effort. If your child is having a difficult time with his school studies, it’s time to meet with the teacher. If your child gives minimal effort to his school work, he should face the consequences at home.
   In making this determination, be sure you know the difference between a B and a C that require much effort and a B and a C that require little effort.

5. Display of rebellion. An underachiever often lacks the motivation to learn, which in some instances can be caused by boredom, withdrawal, or rebellion. Some underachievers know their parents value good grades and intentionally do poorly to get back at them. What you want to do is motivate your child to learn; this takes time and effort, but don’t give up. Allocating more family time, providing quality conversational time, and involving your child

in extracurricular activities can diffuse a spirit of rebellion and improve your child’s attitude toward his self-worth in Christ and toward his school studies and life in general. Parents can make the difference when they bathe their efforts in love and prayer.

6. Lack of interest in some subjects. Sometimes the underachiever excels in the subjects he enjoys but makes low grades in other subjects. Work at keeping your child interested in all his school studies, and make sure he is staying current with his school assignments. Always emphasize the value of a strong work effort.

Conclusion

If problems still exist after you have helped your child in these underachievement areas, have your child checked for impairments.
A conversation with your child’s teacher regarding learning disabilities may be in order. In addition, don’t offer excuses for underachievement; all problems have solutions. A study partner (school friend) may help your child in his studies; this gives parents
a break, but make sure your child is truly studying and his study partner is a person of character and loves the Lord. In some instances, a tutor may be the answer. Finally, don’t forget the spiritual side of your child’s life. Quality prayer time and Bible study in the home can warm a cold heart. Encourage your child to do his best as unto the Lord: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).