I was that kid to some degree - certainly smart enough to do well but did not meet or exceed EXPECTATIONS. my mom would say Theresa Renee if you would JUST apply yourself, you could <<fill in the blank>>. as an only child who already felt like I didn't measure up the message I heard was....you aren't good enough ON YOUR OWN, you must excel in order to be WORTHY.
my thinking was ok, we all agree I have the potential to do well....that IF I would just apply myself, I could get good grades etc. so what is the f'ing point? why bother? I had no desire to be a trained circus pony....and I failed to see how all A's would in any way enhance my life.
what if...she never does finish high school? or goes to college? or what if she just hasn't found the things that truly inspire her or provide enough challenge, for HER? i'm not saying just let her drop out at 15. but give deep consideration to what YOU truly want to happen here....