When your teen gets home from school, do you typically ask questions like, “Did you finish your homework?” Or “How was the test?” Chances are, you’re totally missing the point!

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

When I was in high school, I didn’t do very well with grades. In fact, I’m embarrassed to admit that I rarely cared about them at all!

To most people, though, grades are important … and for a good reason. They’re considered a standard measure of progress … and indicate how a student will perform in the future.

Hey, I know that every parent wants to see their kid succeed. But don’t make the mistake of confusing grades with personal value!

Relax a little. Let academics take the back seat … and pour your attention into developing a meaningful relationship with your teen.