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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This was my oldest DD. She went from a 3.9 GPA in ninth grade, to a 2.7 in tenth. Her perfectionism paralyzed her. She developed an eating disorder as a way to cope with anxiety and then she could not concentrate on schoolwork. We encouraged her to switch from performance-based activities (state flute competitions and competitive basketball) to other, less-pressured pursuits like community service, which she loved. She takes a medication now, sees a counselor once a month, and has rebounded in her schoolwork. The eating disorder is in recovery. She is off to college in the fall, with far more effective tools in her toolbox to deal with anxiety than before. I am so glad she was home so we could address this fully and compassionately before she left home.

Emotional and mental health is EVERYTHING. Let the violin and ballet go. They will recede quickly into the rear view mirror, and the child in front of you may blossom. [/quote]

I want to echo this very wise post.  My DD hit a mental health wall (in different ways than these) and it gave me some real perspective on what counts.  We get so focused on achievement in our culture that we overlook our children's happiness.  Like PP, I am grateful this happened while DD was in high school and cold be addressed.  I know of kids who hit a wall in college when their parents aren't around to help and it can be really, really tough.[/quote]

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