When School Becomes a Power Struggle

Brandon unpacks the emotional and relational toll of constantly managing a child’s academic responsibilities. He explains why nagging may lead to short-term compliance, but rarely builds long-term accountability or a strong parent-child connection. Instead, it often results in resentment, codependency, and burnout on both sides. Brandon challenges the belief that parents are responsible for their child’s school performance and shares why walking alongside them creates more room for growth, discomfort, and resilience. He highlights how changes in the educational system have shifted accountability and left many families stuck in confusion and power struggles. Brandon emphasizes the 90/10 rule—spending 90% of time on connection and only 10% on parenting interventions—and reminds listeners that natural consequences teach more than pressure ever could. This episode is a guide to letting go of control, protecting your relationship, and raising independent kids without losing yourself.

This episode is a recording of the Hope for Parents with Struggling Teens group; the voices of the participants have been edited out for confidentiality purposes.