Exploring Education Blog

"What is essential is to realize that children learn independently, they learn out of interest and curiosity, not to please or appease the adults in power; and that they ought to be in control of their own learning, deciding for themselves what they want to learn and how they want to learn it."

- John Holt, Author of How Children Learn

Managing Expectations – The Art of Letting Your Learner Struggle

Managing Expectations – The Art of Letting Your Learner Struggle

July 28, 20252 min read

Parenting is hard — especially when you see your child struggling. It’s natural to want to step in and help — to fix the problem, offer advice, or smooth the path ahead. But at Ivy Greene Academy, we believe that growth happens in the struggle. Managing your expectations as a parent means learning when to step back and let your learner figure it out for themselves.

Why does struggle matter?
Because real learning comes from problem-solving. When learners are faced with challenges, they develop critical thinking, resilience, and independence — but only if they’re given the chance to work through it themselves. If we step in too quickly, we rob them of the opportunity to grow.

So, how can you support your learner without stepping in too much?

  • Embrace the process: Success isn’t instant. Let them stumble — it’s how they learn resilience.

  • Focus on effort, not outcome: Praise how hard they worked, not just the result. Instead of saying "Good job on the A," try "I saw how hard you worked on that project — that’s impressive."

  • Ask guiding questions: Instead of fixing the problem, ask "What could you try next?" or "What’s one thing you learned from that mistake?"

  • Stay consistent: Learning takes time. Trust the process. If they struggle, let them know it’s okay and encourage them to keep going.

Why is this important beyond the classroom?
Letting your learner struggle doesn’t just help them academically — it strengthens your relationship. When you give them the space to figure things out, they develop confidence, and they learn that you trust them. That trust fosters deeper communication and mutual respect. Over time, your learner will come to you not because they need help, but because they value your guidance.

It’s hard to watch your child struggle — but remember, you’re not abandoning them. You’re teaching them that they are strong enough to figure things out on their own. That’s one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

👉 Challenge: Next time your learner faces a challenge, pause before stepping in. Ask a guiding question instead — and let them find the answer.

Curious about how a learner-driven approach could transform your child’s confidence? Discover more at ivygreeneacademy.com.


Donna Akers was a public school educator for 28 years, she railed against an unfair and sometimes unjust system of education. She witnessed bright shining stars have their light dimmed. She fought hard for her learners, but ultimately ventured out on her own to free herself from the illogical and wrongheaded ideas of the public school system. Donna started Ivy Greene Academy in August of 2020, during the pandemic. She has been able to explore with her learners, take deep dives into rich material with her learners, and celebrate the joy of success with them each day. Now she revels in the light of the learners of Ivy Greene, and seeks to share this light with her community.

Dr. Donna Akers

Donna Akers was a public school educator for 28 years, she railed against an unfair and sometimes unjust system of education. She witnessed bright shining stars have their light dimmed. She fought hard for her learners, but ultimately ventured out on her own to free herself from the illogical and wrongheaded ideas of the public school system. Donna started Ivy Greene Academy in August of 2020, during the pandemic. She has been able to explore with her learners, take deep dives into rich material with her learners, and celebrate the joy of success with them each day. Now she revels in the light of the learners of Ivy Greene, and seeks to share this light with her community.

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Ivy Greene Academy provides a Christ-centered education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a heart for service. Rooted in the belief that every learner is a unique creation of God, we cultivate their gifts and talents to prepare them for a purpose-driven life. Our vision is to develop independent, resilient leaders who choose to follow Christ.

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