Teen Getting Poor Grades in School

by Sheela Dinesh Nair
(Dubai)

I'm hoping you can help me with my son who has recently started doing poorly in school. He is is 14 years old and in the 9th grade. My son was doing well in his studies up until the 6th grade, scoring 80% and above on his tests, but for the past three years his scores have decreased drastically to 52%. His schooling took place in Indian until his 7th grade when we moved to Dubai, UAE.

I'm concerned because my son has lost interest in his studies and shows a lack of confidence. Since he does not employ his reading skills and mugs up his study lessons, he ends up forgetting the answers during exams.

I have tried everything I can think of, but have been unsuccessful. Oh, another thing I should mention: my son says that he is more attached to Cricket than his studies.

I look forward to your suggestions.