<p>^that’s the hardest part about being a parent – knowing the right “mix” that will console your child yet challenge him/her to be the best they can be. The answer is different for every parent, and for every parent of a child in a new situation.</p>
<p>I told D: if your Spring grades are like the ones in the fall, you’re not going back. Then I told her I understood why her transition was tough (sports injury, strep, anemic, doing a sport, being away from home). So my approach was a mix of laying down the law and being sympathetic. </p>
<p>I have no idea if this will work – it just felt right at the time. What I know won’t work is repeated admonishments or screaming matches about her grades. The future is up to her. And I think that’s sinking in.</p>