Applaud the effort, celebrate the improvement and encourage and support the next adventure in learning. Setting goals and developing a plan to reach those goals provides the greatest opportunity for success and happiness with life. Children do not naturally know how to set goals and even when they do they are not fully aware that they are doing so. The parents can formalize the process and help the child develop the skill. Children are literal in their interpretation of the world around them.
Confusing messages lead to confusing conclusions and actions.
Blaming other factors for a child's lack of growth and success in life is an empty vessel. Teaching your child to accept responsibility gives him or her the power to find solutions. Blaming other factors means that we now have to wait for those factors to correct themselves. We are powerless and begin marking time. We stagnate and do not continue to grow.