The author, a teacher and parent, reflects on the challenges of her son’s academic struggles. After a tough year where he barely passed, she initially thought he had learned his lesson. However, midway through the following year, he was again at risk of failing. Frustrated, she decided to change her approach. In fifth grade, she told him he needed to self-manage his schooling without her constant oversight. Instead of micromanaging, she began to occasionally check in on his grades and encourage him to reflect on his performance. She emphasized that he needed to want to succeed for himself, not for her. Instead of imposing consequences for poor grades, she believed the grades themselves should serve as a learning opportunity. Ultimately, she aimed to foster his intrinsic motivation to do well in school.
