TURNING ON THE PRESSURE

The other day I watched a story about this boy who was pressured so much by his dad to excel in school.  That is normal that parents want their kids to do well for themselves and be able to flourish, but this dad had such an obsession.  He wanted his son to be enrolled in a very prestige's school,  that he felt was the right fit for his son.  It was rather the right fit he thought he deserved and wanted when he was a child, so he did put his son through all sorts of tests and through emotional trauma,  just so his son could be accepted in this school.  His son was such a mess emotional and could barely function.  He knew he wasn't a genius but his dad kept on insisting that he is a genius and pushed him harder every day.

This story made me think of kids today and how much pressure they're under.  Kids are not kids anymore today.  Kids must start school at an earlier age.  They are actually practically still babies when they have to start and adapt to grueling hours of school.  Homework has increased substantially and the projects these kids must do are ridiculous.  The projects are so far beyond what they can cope with mentally and at the end the parents do the projects anyway.  What is the thinking in that if the Teacher giving the project,  know that parents are going to have to do this themselves.  What is the point in that? 

The hours that are spend on school work are scary.  Don't get me wrong, I think it's great if our kids can learn, and better themselves.   Their brains are like sponges, BUT GIVE THEM A BREAK.  I taught primary school kids for a few years and the stress I saw some of them are experiencing made we very sad.  Kids are suppose to play, relax, embrace life and do the things that doesn't put them in a position to already experience the stress at that age we as adults do  Think for a moment, HOW WE AS ADULTS SOMETIMES CAN'T COPE WITH THINGS in our lives.  Then think, HOW MUCH WORSE IT IS FOR THEM IF THEY CAN'T COPE.  They are not fully developed mentally, yet they have to deal with so much at school.  Then there are children that have to try to cope with school pressure, and also have very big difficulties at home with problems that arise within the family.  

Where this all will end is a big concern and question.  How many more kids must have depression, not good self image, anxiety, stress, self-harm etc.... before the adults will wake up and see this is not normal.

I sometimes think that kids are not really prepared for life as they should.  Many of the things that are done are not even close to what they are going to use as adults.  Again, I know it's very good and important for children to learn and obtain lots of knowledge, but why not rather teach them more things that they will have to use when they out in the real world?

There are countries who did adapt by letting kids, especially the little ones have more free time to play and use their imagination than to sit in a class.  These countries realized, the more the pressure on children the greater risk for a sick society. That's what children need.  To play outside, run around, play in the mud etc....  They are going to have enough time of work and responsibilities when they grow up.  I commend parents for giving so much of themselves to their children, but some parents can step back a bit, let their children breathe and PLAY!  Rather spend more time with your children.  Today they are small, tomorrow they're all grown up with problems of their own.  Don't load so much pressure on them now while they must be carefree.

I absolutely hope that there can be a change in a lot of countries someday to change this, AND LET THE CHILDREN BE CHILDREN for as long as they can be.  To be carefree, without all the mental problems of this day and age.

LET THE CHILDREN PLAY

Thank your for taking time to read.