Sherri Fisher Debunks the 'Effort Myth' About Kids and School

I had such a great discussion with Sherri Fisher for this episode. Sherri is a learning specialist who has worked both in schools and in private practice. I wanted to invite her to the show this week because she has so much wisdom and experience to share with us on the topic of support for kids who are struggling in school. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like the world of education has gotten more complicated than when I was growing up. This is one of those episodes that is not grief-specific, but rather has general parenting information and support for us as parents.

Some topics Sherri and I discuss include:

• Why the ‘effort myth’ is a myth;

• What are the three gifts of motivation, and why each is important;

• Why kids may struggle in school despite having at least normal intelligence;

• Why trying harder isn’t necessarily the answer;

• Challenges students have with organizing their work in today’s digital school environment;

• Why we should not jump to the conclusion that kids are being lazy if they are not completing their work or not turning it in;

• Suggestions for coaching your own child;

• The importance of effective communication with your child’s teachers, including tips for this;

• Five types of allies for your child; and

• The companion workbook for the Effort Myth, available at Sherri’s website.

I hope you enjoy my discussion with Sherri Fisher.

Links & resources for this episode

• The Effort Myth, by Sherri Fisher

• Sherri’s website: learnandflourish.com

• Workbook (free) to accompany The Effort Myth

More links for listeners

• Download: Kids & Grief: What You Need to Know

• Article: I’m a Widowed Mom: Here Are My 3 Tips for COVID-19 Widows

• Book: Widowed Parents Unite: 52 Tips to Get Through the First Year, from One Widowed Parent to Another

Thank you sponsors & partners:

Help Texts - Grief support text messaging service. Tips and support delivered all year long, personalized based on your loss. Listeners get $10 off: https://helptexts.com/jennylisk

BetterHelp - Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online. Get 10% off your first month: betterhelp.com/widowedparent

Support the show - Chip in at BuyMeACoffee.com

What is your biggest challenge as a widowed parent right now?

Call our voice mailbox at (669)257-3434 and leave a message. Or, answer this quick one-question survey. We’ll work with experts to answer listener questions in future episodes & articles.

---