<p>If his self-assessment is that the D is mostly a time management issue, I’d really stop worrying. That’s SUCH a classic first term of boarding school problem–and such a great lesson to learn early. If he starts worrying about college, just tell him that that D will make a great common app essay topic down the road. </p>
<p>The good thing about stuff like this happening now is that you’re still there to lean on. It’s hard, for sure, to be the repository for all that angst, but it’s a huge gift that you offer your child too, just to give him that space to get all his worries out. If you encourage him to push through his doubts and feelings of failure, he’ll come out so much more resilient and self-confident on the other end.</p>