How to Help an Underperforming Child Before Boards Without Demotivating Them

The 2026 board exams start on February 17, and if your child isn't doing as well as expected, you're probably worried. That's normal. But the way you help them right now matters more than how many hours they study.

Sometimes, well-meaning parents, teachers, or even older siblings accidentally make things worse. Not because they don't care, but because they don't understand what's actually going on in that student's head.

Before we talk solutions, let's understand what underperforming students are usually thinking:

Understanding this is step one. Your child doesn't need a lecture. They need a plan that feels doable.

Let's address the elephant in the room.

Now let's talk about what you can actually do.

Sit with them. Not at their study table, somewhere comfortable. Ask, "What's making studying hard for you right now?" Listen. Don't interrupt with solutions. Just listen. You'll learn whether they're struggling with a specific subject, feeling anxious, or don't understand how to study effectively.

Looking at 10 chapters feels impossible. Looking at one topic for 45 minutes feels doable. Help them break their syllabus into tiny chunks. Not "finish physics" but "complete laws of motion formulas today."

Boards have patterns. Sample papers and PYQs show exactly what gets asked and how. Solving these is smarter than randomly reading the textbook.

Make this their routine: Study a topic, then immediately solve 5-10 PYQs on it. This shows them what matters and builds confidence when they get answers right.

Mock tests are useful, but only if used correctly. Don't make them take mocks every day, as that's stressful. Instead, one mock test per week to track progress. After each mock, sit together and identify 2-3 weak areas. Work on those before the next mock.

Not all chapters carry equal marks. Some chapters give you 8-12 marks, others give 2-3. Help them identify high-weightage topics and prioritize those. This is a strategy, not shortcuts.

Instead of "Study 8 AM to 10 PM with 30-minute breaks," try this: "Finish these three tasks today, like chemistry numericals, English writing practice, and math PYQs. You decide when."

Give them ownership. When they control their schedule, they're more likely to stick to it.

Finished a chapter? That's progress. Scored better in a practice test? Acknowledge it. "You got 5 more marks than last time" means more than "But you're still below average."

Small wins build momentum. Criticism kills it.

If they're stuck in one subject, get targeted help. A friend who's good at that subject, YouTube tutorials for specific topics, or a tutor for just that one subject. Don't waste time on all-around coaching now, as it's too close to exams.

Exam stress is real. If they're too anxious to focus, studying more won't help. Teach them one simple technique: 5-minute breathing exercises before studying. Sounds small, but it works.

Also, remind them that boards aren't the end. Genuinely. They're one exam, not their whole future.

Be present. Bring them chai while studying. Ask if they need anything. But don't ask, "How much have you studied?" every hour. Sometimes just knowing you're there, without judgment, makes the biggest difference.

Helping an underperforming child isn't about pushing harder. It's about supporting smarter. Focus on sample papers, PYQs, and mock tests for effective preparation. Break tasks down. Reduce pressure. Celebrate progress.

And remember, you're not just preparing them for an exam. You're teaching them that struggling doesn't mean failing, and that they have people who believe in them even when they don't believe in themselves.

That lesson will last way longer than any board exam ever could.