As the new school year begins across the country, students (and parents) will inevitably begin to feel the stress of academic demands. This NY Times article, by psychologist Lisa Damour, reminds us that growth cannot occur without approaching life’s challenges, whether in school or in everyday life.

“…we should appreciate that healthy stress is inevitable when we operate at the edge of our abilities. Stretching beyond familiar limits doesn’t always feel good, but growing and learning — the keys to school and much of life — can’t happen any other way.”