I think it's fine that they are concerned, but I think by constantly harping on you and grinding it into you, they lower your confidence and self esteem, and that's so very damaging. Just like when we train our dogs, they do so much better with encouragement and positive reinforcement, than with punishment and lots of scolding. I still perform a LOT better under those circumstances than negative ones. Too much negativity, and after awhile you feel like throwing up your hands and feeling "what's the use."

I was very very fortunate to have a Mom that would show concern if I had a bad grade, but didn't make me feel awful for it. I grew up an only child with a single Mom, and she made it a point to be understanding and easy to approach. I can't thank her enough for that now.

When I was a lot younger, like in grade school, she'd offer incentives to succeed. Some people would say this is bribing, but I totally disagree. Incentive is totally different than bribing IMO. It gave me a goal to work for that was more tangible than a letter on a report card. Like she'd say 'if you get good grades (which was mostly A's or B's), we'll throw a pizza party for you and your friends at the end of the semester." It worked a LOT better, than say if she had said "If you dont get good grades, you'll be grounded."

As I got older and the grades themselves started becoming more important to me, I worked more for myself, and I also really looked forward to the praise and pride my mom would show when I brought home good grades. I began sharing more of my individual test scores and such, and when I failed something, well I wasn't afraid to tell her. And she would do everything she could to help me out in a harder project or class.

Try not to feel down on yourself Julie. Have you told your parents or aunt how they are making you feel? The more defeated a person is, the more it's hard to muster the will to pull out of it. I would hate to find out I was making my child feel defeated and lower in self esteem. Perhaps you could try to talk to them about this.

I wish I could help you out more somehow, but do try to maintain confidence in yourself. You know you can do better, so just try your best and do better, but for yourself, not for your family.

Give your pups a hug, and revel in the fact that they know you are always the most special and wonderful person there is!

*hugs*