“Mom, I Only Got a B+: A Smart Mom’s Response”

17 May, 2025

“You don’t have to be perfect, just try your best.” This is the mantra many parents adopt as they witness their children facing academic pressure and high expectations. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for parents to forget that understanding and timely encouragement are key to their child’s holistic development.

Building Confidence Through Genuine Encouragement

On a peaceful evening, with soft, flickering lights, Minh (a mother of two) witnessed her son’s anxiety over a less-than-expected test score. “Mom, I only got 9 points,” he said softly, his voice laced with worry.

Instead of disappointment or judgment, Minh smiled and said, “It’s okay, 9 points is a great achievement!” Her positive response helped ease her son’s tension, replacing it with renewed faith and motivation.

Renowned psychologist Nguyen Thi Thu Huong from the Vietnam Center for Psychological Counseling and Education asserts that acknowledging and respecting children’s efforts is pivotal to their success. “Parents should focus on the process rather than the outcome. Let your children feel loved and supported, regardless of their academic performance.”

A peaceful evening, a mother sits beside her son, listening to his worries about his 9-point test score. Her eyes emanate love and understanding, creating a heartwarming moment.

Embracing Strengths Instead of Criticizing Weaknesses

In life, children won’t always achieve top scores. What matters is that parents have the patience to recognize their efforts and strengths. A story shared by Ha Anh, a mother of two, on social media, captures this essence. She recounts how her son once failed his university entrance exam. “I vividly remember his dejection and self-doubt,” she shared.

Instead of reproach or comparison, she offered a different perspective: “Although the outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, I see your effort, and I believe you will do better next time.” These words ignited a powerful motivation within her son. “It was then that I realized that sometimes, parents need to listen and understand, rather than rush to judge,” Ha Anh reflected.

Learning to identify your child’s strengths is not just about supporting them but also helping them uncover their intrinsic potential. A child who feels valued will exude confidence in all life aspects.

A mother tells her daughter, “You’re much better at this than I was at your age,” while painting together. Sincere encouragement boosts her child’s confidence in developing her talent.

Wisdom From Understanding Mothers

Another insightful conversation between a mother and her son underscores the power of empathy. When her son asked, “Mom, why don’t you push me to study hard like other mothers do?” she replied:

“When you were little, I forced you to eat pork because it’s nutritious, but you got sick for three days. So, I stopped forcing you. I want you to eat what you enjoy and feel comfortable with.”

This anecdote illuminates the uniqueness of each child and their learning style. Not everyone thrives under intense pressure, but everyone can improve with the right encouragement.

Psychologist Tran Thi Kim Dung from Hanoi Pedagogical University emphasizes that wise parents don’t merely push their children for high scores but also foster their independent thinking and self-management skills. “Genuine encouragement from parents acts as a catalyst, empowering children to stand firm and believe in themselves.”

Recognizing Children as Unique Individuals

Whether it’s a son or a daughter, each child deserves to be recognized as a distinct individual. This not only boosts their confidence but also forges a strong bond between parents and their children.

Nguyen Minh Khoi, a father, shared his experience on an educational forum: “When my daughter showed an interest in painting, I not only encouraged her but also joined her in art classes. This not only supported her hobby but also gave me a deeper understanding of her.”

These real-life experiences underscore that parents are not just guides but also companions on their children’s journeys. Empathy and love are the most precious gifts parents can bestow upon their children.

Conclusion

Life is not just about chasing high scores or standout achievements. It’s a journey of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and confidently moving forward.

The mother of the boy who scored 9 points on his test shared a sentiment that all parents should embrace: “You’re much better at this than I was at your age.”

This affirmation acknowledges the potential for each generation to surpass the last. When parents believe in and encourage their children, they not only instill confidence but also nurture self-assured, independent individuals ready to face life’s trials.

Remember, scores aren’t everything. Love, understanding, and empathy form the strongest foundation for raising happy and successful children.