Two Different Kids

Another quarter is over - I'm always shocked at how fast these school years go. Their freshman and 4th grade years are half over. Miranda ended up on the B honor roll again, we're very proud of course. We always tell her that a hard earned C is just as good as an A. She did get a C+ in Science, that was such a hard class. I'm really impressed with what she can accomplish and learn. We saw her study for hours and hours for that class.

Now Mr. James. He ended up with three C's and 2 B's. He came home with his report card and was over the moon about it. "Isn't it good? Are you proud of me? You always tell Miranda that a C is OK." I was treading on thin ice. Do you tell a child that it wasn't so great? Do you say you got these grades because you didn't try? Do you say to a 10 year old this isn't good enough? He is so different, I'm in a new territory here. He has so much potential but doesn't care or want to put in the work. Let me tell you it's frustrating!

So I asked, "Did you do your best?"
James: Yes
Mom: Did you study hard for every test?
James: Yes
Mom: Did you bring all your homework home?
James: Yes

The correct answers to these questions is no. Honestly, he really thinks he did a great job. Now, I do not expect perfection from either of them. I don't want to sound like I'm psycho mom or anything, but I do want them to do their best. James did not do that here.

I'm very confused as to what I'm supposed to do with my sweet baby James. There should be a manual for these things. Maybe I'll write one. Of course, I need to figure out a solution first!