My teenager's marks have dropped and he has withdrawn since his father married again. What should I do?

Sudden changes in marks and behaviour are often a teenager's way of expressing pain he cannot put into words. Your child may be grieving the change in the family, even if he cannot say so. Approach him without punishing. Spend time together without immediately raising his marks, and listen more than you advise. The Prophet ﷺ taught gentleness: “Indeed, gentleness is not found in anything except that it adorns it” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Birr wa as-Silah wa al-Adab). Support his studies step by step, and get in touch with his teachers if needed. If his low mood drags on or he keeps withdrawing, see a doctor or counsellor. Read more at mental health.