Most parents are very focused on their kids’ grades. Some just want their teens to get D’s so they can graduate from high school, while others hope for straight A’s so their kids can get into Harvard. Whatever the goal, focusing solely on grades puts a lot of pressure on both the kids and the parents, and puts the emphasis on the wrong things.

In the latest episode of “The Parent Pep Talk”, a new podcast from Safe Kids Worldwide, veteran teacher and parent Jacki Bragg explains what she sees as the true value of school, how involved parents should be and just how important grades are. Jacki has been one of the most respected teachers in Maryland for more than 21 years. She was voted Teacher of the Year by her students and Outstanding Teachers by her colleagues.

Also in the podcast, a teen panel answers a question about what to do when your kid won’t tell you what’s going on in school, and one mom shares a story about why she was convinced her kid would grow up to be, as she says, “A screw up.” Plus, the Safe Kids Tip of the Week helps parents get their kids to school safely.

“The Parent Pep Talk” is a heartfelt and humorous podcast filled with advice and understanding from empathetic experts, honest parents and teens who are willing to talk. It’s for all parents looking for a little perspective, a few well-tested tips and the feeling that you’re probably doing a lot better than you think, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.