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- I thought I was doing everything right as a parent. Then, my son started high school. (businessinsider.com)
Local Mom Learns to Let Go, Teen Son Learns the Hard Way
High school can be tough, but it can be even tougher for parents struggling to balance support with letting their kids learn their own lessons. One local mom, Samantha Wood, shared her experience of navigating this tricky terrain with her son, Kayden.
When Kayden started high school, his academic performance took a nosedive. Previously a diligent student, he began neglecting assignments, prioritizing video games over schoolwork.
Wood found herself constantly checking in, reminding him about deadlines, and even contacting teachers to try and keep him on track. She admits to feeling embarrassed and ashamed by his lack of motivation.
The freshman year ended with Kayden failing math, a blow to both him and his mom. Summer school became necessary, and Wood insisted Kayden pay the $200 fee himself. He successfully retook the course, earning a B, and promised to improve his habits.
Wood, however, remained skeptical. Her fiancé offered a different perspective, suggesting she “let him fail.”
While this initially felt wrong, Wood realized the constant monitoring was taking a toll on her own well-being. She decided to step back and allow Kayden to take ownership of his education.
Sophomore year was a rollercoaster. Kayden started strong, but old habits soon resurfaced.
Despite the urge to intervene, Wood stayed back, allowing him to experience the consequences of his actions. She admits to feeling the stress, but also a sense of freedom she hadn’t felt in years.
The year ended with Kayden barely passing several classes with Ds. While not the outcome Wood had hoped for, she recognizes it as progress.
More importantly, she’s proud of herself for letting go and allowing Kayden to navigate his own path, even if it’s a bumpy one. For Wood, the experience has been a lesson in accepting imperfection, both in her son and herself.
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- I thought I was doing everything right as a parent. Then, my son started high school. (businessinsider.com)