A while back, I asked a group of teens this question: “Do you think your parents want perfection in you?”

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

Parents want to motivate their kids. I get it. But sometimes, our verbal teasing translates into a demand for perfection.

Here’s one of the answers I got. A teen told me “I brought home some grades I was proud of, and my mom started complaining that I could do better, I wasn’t living up to my potential, and I needed to work harder.”

Wow, those are painful words to hear. In thirty seconds … this mom took all the wind out his sails.

Don’t allow your own expectations to infringe on your most cherished relationship. Are you communicating a perfectionist mindset?

Show your teen the grace and love they really need.