I'm so sorry to hear that you're having trouble in school, and your parents are handling it in a way that is hurting your feelings.  School can be tough and everyone makes mistakes.  What did you learn from that experience that can help you in further classes?  Can you spend more time studying?  Maybe you can ask the teacher for help before your grade gets so low that it's too hard to bring it back up again.  The most important thing you can do is learn from your negative experience and change the way you handle things in the future.  

It must be very hurtful to feel like your parents are making you feel bad for failing your class.  Sometimes when we feel guilty about not doing as good as we want to, it only makes things worse when our family or friends  remind us that we didn't  succeed.   It's important that you tell your parents honestly how you're feeling.  They may still be upset that you failed your class, but if you tell them honestly that you're feeling really sad and hurt by what they said they are more likely to change the way they talk to you about school issues in the future.  Be sure not to complain or whine about their feedback, but simply tell them how it makes you feel.  Also tell them what your plan is so you'll do better in your next classes.  Try using this formula:  I feel_____________  when you___________.  I'd rather you_____________.  Ask to sit down and talk to them when they have a few extra minutes and things are quiet around the house.  Don't ask to talk to them 5 minutes before you are walking out the door to go hang out with your friends. 

It may help to practice having this conversation with someone before you try talking to your parents.  If you want to practice, please call our hotline at 1-800-448-3000.  We would be happy to talk with you about how you're feeling.  We're here 24/7 and it's free to call.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Katie, Crisis Counselor