Mother: It’s okay, dear. A B grade is still a high score.
Son: Mom, why don’t you push me to study hard like other mothers do?
Mother: When you were little, you didn’t like eating pork. Your father and I forced you to eat it, saying it was nutritious, and even tried to spoon-feed you. But you ended up throwing up and were sick for three days. So, I decided not to force you anymore.

Illustration photo.
The above conversation reveals the following:
– The child is honest and deeply trusts his mother.
– A B grade doesn’t mean the child is unintelligent; it just means they haven’t found the right study methods yet.
– The mother succeeds in having an open conversation with her son.
In reality, a mother’s spirit and attitude greatly influence her child’s progress and future destiny.
Especially when a child doesn’t meet academic expectations, smart parents will offer positive encouragement.
Recognize strengths: I know you’ve tried your best!
According to a psychologist, if parents want their children to be well-behaved and motivated to learn, they should learn to say the opposite.
For instance, if a child doesn’t score well on a test, instead of calling them lazy, acknowledge their efforts with words like, Although the result is not ideal, we can see your hard work, and you’ve improved a lot.
This is known as the praise effect.
When children feel recognized and encouraged, their self-confidence grows, and their mindset becomes, Even though the road ahead is challenging, I believe I can overcome anything.
However, if a child’s self-confidence is suppressed by complaints and pressure, their mindset may shift to, What’s the point of trying if even my parents look down on me and think I have no future?
The same principle applies when a child fails a test.
Thus, wise parents will use recognition to help their children regain self-confidence. A simple phrase like, Your recent efforts and persistence are evident
can boost their child’s confidence and energy levels.
Empathize: Don’t be discouraged; I believe you’ll do better next time.
A social media user shared her own experience of failing to get into university on her first try. At that time, she felt discouraged and worried about how to break the news to her family. The disappointment and pressure of expectations made her feel like a complete failure.
When she finally showed her score to her mother, her heart was filled with anxiety. But her mother gently smiled and said, It’s okay. Don’t be discouraged. If you work hard and study for the next exam, you’ll definitely do better.
These simple yet loving and empathetic words soothed her anxiety. Her mother viewed her failure with kindness and encouraged her to keep trying.
She realized that her mother’s forgiving and calm attitude subtly influenced her. Instead of feeling pressured, she felt supported and encouraged. This positive energy motivated her to embrace life with enthusiasm and determination in her studies. She started planning her revision, creating a scientific and effective study schedule.
Throughout the year of dedicated studying, she improved her knowledge and learned valuable lessons about perseverance and determination. Finally, after a year of relentless effort, she gained admission to her desired university.
Holding the admission letter in her hands was a wonderful feeling, as it represented not just her academic achievement but also the overcoming of a challenging period. She felt grateful to her mother, who had always been by her side, providing unwavering support and motivation.
Lead by example: You’re more capable than I was at your age.
When parents master the art of leading by example, their children’s education naturally becomes more effective.
It’s evident that a positive mindset leads to a positive attitude, which, in turn, yields positive results. When parents display optimism and passion, their children absorb these positive emotions. This lays a solid foundation for their children’s emotional development.
By saying, You’re more capable than I was at your age
, parents affirm their children’s potential. This statement can inspire children to realize that everyone can develop and maximize their abilities, regardless of their starting point. Parents are not just guides but also role models for their children.
Parents can encourage their children to engage in activities they enjoy, whether artistic or athletic, and share their own experiences of how these activities have positively impacted their lives.
Furthermore, empathy and love from parents help children feel accepted and valued. Open and honest conversations about emotions and challenges create a strong bond between parents and children.
“7 Golden Rules” of Successful Parenting: Raising Well-Rounded Children Without Raising Your Voice
Parents play a pivotal role in setting clear and concise boundaries for their children. By establishing these parameters, parents provide their offspring with a sense of structure and understanding of the consequences of their actions. This empowers children to make informed choices and develop a strong sense of self-awareness and responsibility.