New Book Challenges 'Try Harder' Advice for Struggling Students

In a world where struggling students are often told to 'try harder,' a new book challenges this advice by emphasizing the importance of underlying cognitive skills. 'Your Child Learns Differently, Now What? The Truth for Parents,' written by Roger Stark and Betsy Hill, offers a five-step framework to help parents move from frustration to understanding and skill-building. The authors, who lead BrainWare Learning Company, argue that effort alone is insufficient when a child lacks skills like attention, memory, or processing speed. They encourage parents to look beyond surface-level explanations and ask whether their child has the learning foundation needed to succeed. The book provides practical guidance for parents of children who experience uneven academic performance, frustration, or declining confidence, and it highlights the close link between confidence and learning. Stark and Hill also raise questions about temporary workarounds, urging parents to consider whether accommodations are helping children build long-term learning capacity. Published by Seabiscuit Press, the book is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats. Its core message is that struggling students need more than pressure; they need understanding and the right support to build the skills for success. For parents ready to move beyond the simple instruction to 'try harder,' this book offers a path toward helping their children become confident, independent learners.