The first marking period of the school year recently concluded. Report cards were sent home, and parent-teacher conferences were held. For some parents, the news was good; however, other parents learned of their children’s academic difficulties. Research shows self-esteem (one’s opinion of one’s self) and academic achievement directly influence each other. Children with high self-esteem do better in school. Low self-esteem can have devastating consequences: anxiety, stress, loneliness, increased likelihood for depression, difficulties with friendships and relationships, impaired academic performance, underachievement and increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse. A student’s thoughts influence his behavior, and his behavior influences his performance; negative consequences may reinforce negative self-image, resulting in lower self-esteem, increasingly non-productive or even actively self-destructive behavior.