The most present, most engaged parents are often the ones most likely to fall into this trap. Every time you step in to solve the problem, something else happens; quieter than the solution, and more consequential. This episode names the mechanism, and gives you one move for tomorrow. The four-minute rule starts tonight.

This episode draws in part on research in:

• Academic self-concept and persistence (Marsh, 1990)
• Self-efficacy and mastery experience (Bandura, 1997)
• Autonomy support and intrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan, 2000)
• Grit and self-discipline as predictors of success (Duckworth & Seligman, 2005)