Often as parents we go into overdrive as we see our kid's goal slipping away, don't we? If we just plan those extra tutorial sessions for them, they'll get over the hill. If we just drive them to a few more lessons... if we just tell them over and over how their coach will be disappointed that they didn't go the extra mile to pass their karate promotion... if we... if we...
When we find ourselves nagging and panicking that our kids aren't doing their best, when they are "too tired" or "too busy" to do what WE want them to do we really need to STOP. We need to STOP and think about who has the goal... our kid? Or us?
Out of love our kids will often achieve what WE want but our job is really to teach them HOW to achieve, not what.
Wanting to achieve takes planning, perseverance and practice. It comes from THEIR hearts, not ours.
Are you struggling with a goal for your child? Ask yourself WHOSE goal it is. If your stake is bigger than your child's then you might need to reconsider. Keep in mind skills like empathy when they choose not to study extra. Go brain dead when they want to argue with you about when to practice. These skills can help you maneuver the challenging roads of achievement.