Why You Should Stop Saying “Just Do Your Best”

I have said it to my teen, and you have said it to your teen: “Just do your best.”

“You do not need to be perfect,” we say, “just as long as you do your best…in math, in dance class, in science, in English, in soccer, etc.

Why do our teens always have to do their best?

What is the message we send when we tell them that their “best” is required at all times.

We say this with the best of intentions. We often say it to ease the pressure, to let our teen know it is OK if they do not achieve the...