In my 35 years of experience coaching many different student profiles, this time of the year can be very stressful for parents, and I empathize with them. This is normal. Parents are usually well-intentioned and, if they see that their kid is floundering or not "starting strong," it can be concerning or upsetting. The trick, I think, is to flag problems before they become bigger problems, and then to seek the appropriate supports (coach, therapist, mentor).