I believe it is always the case that kids always want to do well. When they aren't doing their best, it's because there is something getting in their way that is preventing them from doing so. Figuring out what is stopping them is the key but it is sometimes very hard to figure out. Sometimes (rarely) it is simple. Maybe they don't know how to get started or lack confidence. A little help and encouragement can get them on their way. Sometimes the problem is much bigger and multifaceted and much harder to figure out.
