School is SUPPOSED TO BE HARD!

The more time I spend in schools and with families post-pandemic shut down, I realize that many of us have forgotten that SCHOOL IS SUPPOSED TO BE HARD! Learning something new is uncomfortable. Learning a lot of new things is really uncomfortable.
During the pandemic, our kids were in our house safe and secure. We could control most things in their lives. A lot of us lightened up on rules because we felt badly about the situation. In my home, screen time was loosened up and I was more lenient on a lot of things. I was so concerned about my boys not seeing their friends, I allowed more gaming. Life got very comfortable at home - mainly because it was so uncomfortable in many ways. We didn't let the world into our world for a very long time. 
Going back to school was a difficult transition for adults and kids. I remember the first 2 weeks back at school feeling very awkward. I could not remember a lot of the habits that had been a part of my daily life. I missed my dog, I missed my refrigerator, mostly I missed my pajama pants. Kids missed their gaming, their animals, and being able to eat whenever they wanted to eat. 
When kids went back to school, they looked at all adults like they look at their parents. They assume that every adult loves them so much that any behavior is ok and will be forgiven with puppy eyes. I came up with a humorous lesson called, "I am not your mama" for 6th grade boys. They loved it and their behavior improved. We have to treat other adults with a different type of respect than we do our own family. 
Teachers are trained to push our children harder than parents do. It is their job. So many of my friends talk about past teachers that pushed them harder than they wanted them to - but it worked. They were kind and firm - and they had high expectations. It was uncomfortable, but with the teacher's belief and persistence, they accomplished more than they thought they ever could. Those are the teachers we remember. Those are the teachers that made a difference. 
Spend time talking to your kids about the fact that learning is supposed to be hard. School is not a party nor is it entertainment. There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days - and mostly there are work days. True learning is repeating a lot of stuff over and over again. Learning is uncomfortable. Most adults stop doing it as soon as possible because it is hard. We need to teach our kids to ask for support and do their part to reach for goals that will benefit THEM. When teachers push you to learn - they are expressing care and love for you. They believe in you. 
School is supposed to be hard.