| Words of wisdom from my 16 year old son: | | | | Honey, I have no doubt that you can successfully |
| Parents need to remember that just because | | | | accomplish anything you set your mind to. Let me |
| their kid is failing math does not mean he will fail | | | | know if there's anything I can do to help, and |
| at life. | | | | good luck! |
| I hear a lot of angst from parents about grades. | | | | At the very least, this takes rebellion out of the |
| It makes us feel so powerless to see our | | | | equation. |
| offspring not working up to their potential! We try | | | | If things get tough for my kid, I want him to see |
| consequences, punishment, privilege removal, | | | | me as a trusted resource who is on his team and |
| microscopic supervision, bribes, and lectures. | | | | will help him figure out what to do, rather than |
| Sometimes, these things seem to work, and their | | | | being fearful of my reaction and hiding the |
| grades improve. | | | | situation from me. |
| And sometimes, we only cement our teens' | | | | Not only that, but there's so much more to |
| determination to have some control over their | | | | success than grades. Skills such as honesty, |
| choices. Academics are not a battle we can truly | | | | responsible communication, self-awareness, |
| win, because ultimately, the motivation for all | | | | curiosity, creativity, and compassion are at least |
| REAL learning comes from within. | | | | as important for success in real life as academic |
| Step into your teen's shoes (combat boots?) for | | | | discipline. Even if your kid is not a great student |
| a moment, and imagine hearing this from your | | | | (and mine is not), he can still be a great person. |
| parents: | | | | |