How to Tell Your Parents You Were Caught Cheating in Class
Although we all know cheating is never acceptable, we sometimes let panic get the best of us.
Not preparing for a test can have its consequences, especially when it leads you to do something morally unacceptable.
Did your failure to adequately study for something lead you to copy off of someone else, or have them do the work for you? Below is how to tell your parents you were caught cheating in class:
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Be the First to Let Them Know
After you've been caught, make sure your parents receive the news from you. Don't wait for the school to call or for your teacher to give them a heads-up. If you were told there will be disciplinary action, your parents need to hear every detail from you. Make it a point to tell them as soon as you get home from school. Not only will it get the news out of the way fast, but your parents will at least respect the fact that you didn't try to hide the matter.
Don't Sugarcoat It
Cheating is one of those things that's either black or white, there are no grey areas. If you were caught cheating, don't try to sugarcoat the situation. Own up to your actions and be as honest as possible. Sit your parents down, explain how you got caught and answer their questions with as much honesty as possible.
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Make Them Understand It Won't Happen Again
After you establish the facts, you need to make a case for why you won't ever consider doing this again. Getting caught a second time is not an option, so you doing it again is therefore not an option…ever! Make sure your parents understand that. The biggest fear a parent can have is that their child becomes a habitual cheater. Explain to them that this was a one-time mistake that you'll make sure never happens again.
Come Up with an Action Plan
After you explain why this won't ever happen again, come up with an action plan to live up to that promise. Was it your busy schedule that didn't give you enough time to prepare for a test? Is it a subject you just don't understand? Do you feel as though tutoring will help you be more confident for the next text? Talk through the hurdles that led you to the cheating and figure out a plan of attack with your parents.
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Be Willing to Offer Sacrifices
When you establish the action plan, show a willingness to sacrifice things you love. If you know you need more study time in order to avoid being in this pickle again, show a willingness to forgo video game time, for example, in order to study more. These sacrifices will show your parents you're committed to not getting in this type of trouble again.
Now that you are ready to put your cheating in the past, THESE are some unconventional ways to bond with your parent!