Another post shared that a kid made the honor roll . . . another got straight As . . . and another made the Dean’s List. That’s awesome, and I’m so happy for them, but I got you, other momma.

I know your heart hurts because your kid didn’t make the honor roll, and he likely never will. But this veteran educator has a secret to share.

I see all kinds of learners. I see that kid who barely lifts a finger and gets straight As. Then that kid goes to college and has never had to study before—talk about shock. I see the kid who makes that honor roll every single time.

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And of course, parents should be proud, but grades aren’t everything, momma.

I see your kid, the kid who works his butt off for that C. He knows how to study . . . because he has to. He’s the first to hold the door for that teacher and to say, “I need help.” He’s learned, at a young age, to advocate for his learning and to work hard to earn that grade. He doesn’t “skate by” anything. Nothing comes easily. But he keeps trying.

You celebrate that C, Momma. You take that kid out for ice cream.

Because when a grade is earned through hard work and perseverance, there is a lot more in that grade than just content.

There are tears and hard work. There are lessons some kids don’t get to learn until much later.

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Be proud of the learning that has taken place more than the letter. I’m celebrating your kid right along with you.

Originally published on the author’s Facebook page.