Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Parents want what is best for their children. While children appear unmotivated about school and their future, parents step in and push their children forward. (I’m speaking as a dad here) This creates tension in the household if the child doesn’t want to be pushed.

But you hear stories all the time of parental motivation paying off. Tiger Woods’ dad pushed and pushed and pushed until Tiger became the number one player in the world. Other times those stories turn into tragedy.

If you are trying harder and your parents still don’t approve, then it wasn’t effort they were after, but results. They didn’t want you to try for an A. They wanted you to get an A.  That may be an unfair expectation.

You must honor your mother and father in these situations, but your mother and father must motivate you in a way that does not make you frustrated and angry, but excited. Give your parents a chance and really listen to what they are trying to say. Most times we don’t know what’s best for us and outsiders who truly love us have the best perspective for us.