The issue of a child’s not doing as well as they are able, is one that faces many parents. Within most families, the child’s perception of what constitutes “good enough “is influenced by a number of forces. Parental attitudes and expectations of behavior and performance appear to be the largest contributors to the child’s understanding of what it means to “do well”. Our own adult behavior, work ethic, level of attainment, and motivation become models which children perceive as standards. For some students, these observed expectations are positive influences, leading to success as well as happiness. For others, unfortunately, they are seen as unreachable goals or represent the need to be perfect, leading to a level of stress which can sometimes result in fragile emotionality or unhealthy behavior. The adage, “know thyself” and its corresponding “know thy children” is a critical piece of the child-rearing puzzle. Continue reading →