English Isn’t the Problem. It’s the Pressure.

If your teen groans at the mention of essays, slouches in their chair during English class, or says, "I’m just not good at this" — you’re not alone.

Many teens claim to hate English. But here’s what I’ve seen, after years of teaching reluctant readers, anxious writers, and kids who barely make eye contact when I hand back their work:

They don’t hate English. They hate feeling like a failure.

The Real Reasons Behind "I Hate English"

Let’s break down what’s actually going on under that big, eye-rolling statement:

1. They Don’t Know What Teachers Want

Instructions like "analyze the text" or "explore the theme" feel frustratingly vague. Without clear models or structure, teens often guess their way through essays and get vague or critical feedback in return.

2. They Think They’re Bad at It

One low grade, one confusing essay, one moment of blank-page panic — and the belief sets in: "I’m not good at this."

3. They Don’t See the Point

Unlike subjects with clear right-or-wrong answers, English feels subjective. Teens ask: "How does this help me in real life?"

4. They’re Afraid to Be Wrong

Writing means sharing your ideas. That vulnerability is scary — especially if they’ve been told they "missed the point" before.

 What Actually Helps (Without More Nagging)

If you’re a parent, you don’t need to become an English teacher overnight. But you can help your teen feel more confident.

Here are three things that shift the game:

✅ 1. Give Them a System

Most teens don’t need more facts. They need a clear process. That’s why we created The Essay Clinic — to show students how to think, plan, and write with clarity (not just tell them to "add more analysis").

✅ 2. Start With Small Wins

Our free Essay Power Words Cheat Sheet is a quick way to help your teen improve instantly. It gives them the vocabulary and phrases teachers love — so they see results right away.

[Grab the Power Words PDF here]

✅ 3. Validate Their Frustration

You don’t have to fix it all. Just saying, "Yeah, English can feel confusing. Let’s try one thing together" can break through that emotional wall.

English Can Be Empowering

When teens feel equipped, English becomes more than just a school subject.

It becomes a tool for:

• Understanding themselves

• Expressing their opinions

• Building confidence they carry into the world

They don’t have to love every book. But they can learn to speak and write with clarity and conviction.

That’s what we help students do inside The Essay Clinic — and it starts with one belief:

Your thoughts matter. Let’s help you express them.

 🔐 Want your teen to get support that actually works? [Join the private waitlist for The Essay Clinic] and be the first to know when we reopen.

Or start with the Power Words PDF — it’s free and instantly helpful.

[Download the Cheat Sheet Here]

With warmth, Francesca