The industrial revolution in the 18th century sparked the need for formal education. Since then, education has become the bedrock of every modern society. As a result, different levels of educational steps have emerged. These stages are:
- Daycare;
- Preschool;
- Elementary school;
- High school;
- College/university.
This journey starts for many kids at the tender age of 3. Along the way, all parents hope their kids are able to make good grades. Parents often push for good grades as it increases their children’s chances of success in life.
Although it might look like the right thing to do, pressurizing a kid to succeed in school can be counterproductive. However, some fathers and mothers are way too assertive when it comes to good grades. Ultimately, they may pressure their kids, but fail to realize that such behavior is counterproductive. Below are 9 reasons parents should stop pressuring their kids to get good grades.
1. Contributes to Mental Health Issues
A kid’s mental health is as important as their physical health. It must be protected with the same degree of conviction. As a parent, you may want to avoid pressuring your children to get good grades. Doing this can make them fearful of failure and disappointing you. In the long run, this stress can lead to depression and anxiety. In extreme cases, it can cause other mental health problems, which can have irrevocable consequences in the future. Some students even end up not graduating from high school or college due to excessive pressure from their parents.
2. Leads to Superiority Complex and Failure
It’s hard to deny that good grades are important, however, kids that were excessively pushed to perform when younger may develop a constant need to compete with others when they are adults. They may have a sense of superiority and develop a desire to surpass every person they meet in life. In many cases, the need to beat others can prevent such individuals from the success they desperately desire. Additionally, such a mindset is very destructive and may contribute to a child’s stress, self-loathing and general unhappiness.
3. Reduces Humanity
When parents push their kids to only care about school, children may grow up focusing on the material aspect of life. As a result, they may struggle with essential human attributes like friendship, kindness, and empathy. Such kids can become adults that see all relationships through a transactional lens. This approach can lead to a lack of humanity, which is desperately needed at every age. Lack of humanity can lead to kids’ inability to find their place in society, and failure to build successful, lasting bonds with other people.
4. Limits the Usefulness of Education
The main aim of education is to enlighten the population. An enlightened populace is better at making the right decisions regarding their development. When education is gained for material success, its usefulness reduces drastically. Likewise, many students may prioritize earning good grades over learning. Doing this has led many students to cheat during exams. Some may outsource their coursework and research paper to others. At the end of it all, a child may graduate with good grades without knowing anything.
5. Limits Creativity
Creative individuals require room to grow. So, children should have the space to express themselves. Creativity can come in different ways, such as:
- Painting;
- Drawing;
- Singing;
- Dancing.
Most parents do not see much value in these attributes. Therefore, they force their kids to focus on more academic subjects like math and science. In doing so, a kid may lose an essential aspect of their personality. They may grow into unhappy adults who are still hoping to express their creativity.
6. Limits Performance
The educational system is built in a specific way. Additionally, it has a limited scope. Consequently, it may not be suitable for all children. The grading system may not consider the outlook of kids with disabilities. Physical, mental, and learning disabilities are often overlooked, which can affect the performance of some students.
Similarly, students from poor or dysfunctional homes are not considered. Such kids mostly lack the resources and the mental state to perform like their more privileged peers. Therefore, parents that pressure such kids to perform should consider the limits of their children and know when to stop.
7. Leads to Unhealthy Competition
Competing in school is mostly a good thing. It is helpful in the development of children. Also, it improves social skills and creates a sense of belonging. However, competition among students can become unhealthy if not managed. This problem primarily occurs when parents pressure their kids to compete with other children in school. There are several cases of kids sabotaging and bullying other students to ensure their own success. Children who develop such behavior will likely bully and scam their way through life.
8. Diminishes the Need to Learn
When a parent pushes their kid to perform, they usually think they are doing the right thing. Some children require the people around them to motivate them to perform. However, some kids can lose interest in learning when pushed too far. Therefore, parents must find the right balance between healthy encouragement and bullying.
9. Limits Normal Development
Inherent differences in children account for the discrepancy in development. By pushing a kid to perform, they may be denied the chance to grow independent minds. Most overbearing parents are ignorant of the children’s need to play and develop social skills. In addition, most of these skills are instrumental to the learning process. It follows that kids that are aggressively pressed to perform can grow up lacking the requisite understanding of life.
A Fine Line
Pressuring your kids to get good grades may feel like a good thing to do. However, doing it can be counterproductive. Some of the reasons (the given list is not conclusive!) you shouldn’t push your kids to perform perfectly in school are highlighted above, as are their unfortunate consequences. Therefore, a parent should find a balance when encouraging their children in their strive for academic excellence.
About the Author
Erica Sunarjo is a writer and an education expert. She writes helpful content for students and parents. In addition, Erica regularly contributes to the best college essay writing service in an attempt to help young minds on their academic path. Besides her work, Erica enjoys cycling and camping.