In today’s competitive world, parents and educators often place immense pressure on children to excel academically, sometimes at the cost of their mental well-being and overall development. Abhishek Pandey, an educator and soft skills expert, explains why pushing children beyond their limits in the pursuit of better marks can be detrimental. Here are 10 key insights from his perspective:
1. Mental health matters more than marks
Abhishek Pandey emphasises that a child’s mental health should be prioritised over academic performance. Excessive stress and pressure to perform can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Children need to feel supported, not overwhelmed, in their learning environment.
2. Every child has their own pace
Not all children learn in the same way or at the same speed. Pandey explains that pushing a child to perform at a level beyond their capacity can lead to frustration and a loss of self-esteem. It’s crucial to recognize and respect each child’s individual learning pace.
3. Focus on learning, not just grades
Grades are just one measure of a child’s capabilities, but they don’t reflect the full extent of their potential. Pandey advises parents to encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning rather than focusing solely on grades.
4. Developing life skills is key
Academic excellence is important, but life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence are equally essential. Pandey advocates for a balanced approach to education, where academic learning is complemented by the development of soft skills.
5. Quality over quantity
Instead of focusing on the sheer volume of academic work, Pandey suggests that children should be encouraged to engage in deep, meaningful learning. This fosters a better understanding of concepts and promotes long-term retention.
6. Parental pressure can backfire
While well-meaning, excessive parental pressure can create an adversarial relationship between children and their studies. Abhishek Pandey highlights that children often perform better when they feel supported and trusted, not when they are pushed beyond their limits.
7. Build a growth mindset
Pandey stresses the importance of fostering a growth mindset in children. This mindset encourages them to see failures as opportunities to learn, rather than as setbacks. Pushing children too hard can discourage them from taking risks and learning from mistakes.
8. Physical and emotional health should come first
Pushing children to study for hours on end without adequate rest can have severe consequences on their physical and emotional well-being. Pandey urges parents to ensure that children have time for physical activities, hobbies, and social interactions that contribute to a well-rounded life.
9. Success is not always measured in marks
Success should be viewed in a broader context than just academic performance. Pandey advises that success includes personal growth, character development, and happiness. Children should be encouraged to pursue their passions and interests, not just what’s seen as conventionally successful.
10. Encourage self-reflection and independence
Rather than imposing external expectations, Abhishek Pandey suggests fostering a sense of self-reflection in children. When children learn to set their own goals and evaluate their progress, they become more independent and confident in their abilities.