"How was school today?" I asked, just like I do every day. Alexis knows that if the question is answered with just one syllable, there will be a follow up question or two.
She opted to cut the extra steps out. "It was awful. I'm falling behind in math," she replied.
We went back and forth a few times. Alexis slowly dissolved into a puddle of BLURGH. Sobs and tears and shaking and SO MUCH SAD. "Momma, I'm so bad at math!" she said.
I try not to dismiss things like that without facts. The only facts that I had were Alexis' word and the knowledge that she was at the very top of her class in math last year. But maybe she really was falling behind? It was worth checking before telling her to chill out.
Several hours later, I had a giant ball of CHILL THE HELL OUT, CHILD on my mind. I checked online for Alexis' grades and found that she has completed four math tests so far this year. She has a TERRIBLE grade of just ... 98%.
98%.
She has missed one question total so far. ONE.
Falling behind, my ass.
As soon as I set eyes on Little Miss Perfection, I initiated the conversation. Ten minutes later, it was really very clear -- Alexis is not happy with 98%. She wants to get every question right every time.
I do not understand this concept. I am Miss 89.5% Rounds to 90% and That is an A. I like to do the minimum required to get the best grade. I don't have to be the absolute best or top of the class or any of that. I just have to get that A. An A is an A is an A. Just get that A and then go out and have fun!
Alexis is one of Those People. Those People who want to be the very best and can't forgive themselves for making mistakes.
HOW IN THE HECK DO I DEAL WITH THAT? Because it is not OK. It's the kind of thing that leads to Jessie Spano caffeine pill freakouts.
I'm serious. Advice, please.