Parenting Woes

Why is it that just when you think you have it all figured out the rug is pulled out from under you? No one ever said raising kids would be easy I know but I wish I had a better grasp on it to make the ride a bit smoother. My oldest son has always been a bright shining star. Straight A's, gives everything all of his heart, but this year as a sophomore he has fallen apart in the academic arena. I am not sure if it is the fact that he is simply doing to many extra activities or if he simply is rebelling. He has managed to bring his grades to failing or extremely close. It is so hard to look at this child who I see so much potential in and not want to scream at him but I know that all the lectures in the world will not make the difference. It will have to come from him. It is hard for a parent to stand on the sidelines and hope that her child will pick the right path. It isn't like we aren't cheering from the sidelines for him on to do the right thing. We have lectured, discussed and even shouted a bit but really he is a bright kid and this is his mess to get out of. I am sure other moms and dads have felt the same way as I feel. I want to swoop in and just fix it but I can't so instead I am going to encourage his good decisions and let him make a few mistakes now while the harm is minimal. But I won't say it will be easy. I still have an urge to fix it.