https://thecompanion.in/parenting-at-the-time-of-academic-failure Parenthood is innate; it requires no effort to love and care for one’s child, while parenting is a skill scrupulously learnt and strategically applied. While the smooth and effortless state of being a parent persists, at times we need to know the ropes and switch to a mode of careful parenting. Every parent wants to see their children do their best in their lives, a desire that parenthood brings along. However, parents tend to define the word “best” to their children as they see it to be, through the lens of societal standards. The words “Best”, “Success”, and “Perfection” give us the meaning we seek. Our “best” might be someone’s “average”. Our “mediocrity” might mean “perfection” to some. Writes _*Hajra Kulsum*_