I watch my children struggle. They push themselves physically and mentally. We work hard. That is one of our family values: Hard things are worth doing and worth the struggle. Yet, watching my children learn, grow, and mature through struggle is never easy.
Each year, when I start pre algebra with new students I emphasize to them that this is a hard course. It's supposed to be hard, they're supposed to make mistakes, it's good for them. Do they agree? Would they agree if they understood what I was telling them? Probably not. That's the thing about hard things, you just don't know until you have come through and looked back at yourself on the other side. Character is proven through perseverance, Paul tells us this and we know it is true. That doesn't make the struggle easier, but it does make it beautiful. May you embrace the hard work this school year and embody the beauty available to your children on the other side.