Children’s academic performance is a source of nervousness for parents. But too much pressure can frustrate students and lead to the opposite effect.
Putting too much pressure on the shoulders of children can affect their performance in school. A study from the University of Reading is interested in the stress felt by young pupils when faced with the demands of their parents, and shows the importance for them of finding a happy medium. Expectations that are too high, if not unrealistic, can indeed lead to children to steer clear and their results to tumble.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed data from a previous study carried out in Germany on 3,530 adolescents aged 11 to 16, followed over a period of five years.
Specifically, they were interested in their results in math tests carried out over the entire period, and in questionnaires filled out by parents, where the latter reported their aspirations for their children, how much they wanted them to reach a certain level. note, and if they thought this desire was realistic. The researchers then compared this data to that of a two-year American study, showing strong similarities.
The middle
The result of their analyzes is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they point out that parents who believe in their children and push them to achieve the best possible grades help their offspring to reach the top of the class. Adolescents perform better on average on math tests. However, unrealistic aspirations and excessive pressure can have the opposite effect.
“When we looked at children of parents who had too high expectations of the student’s abilities, we found poorer results. This can be explained by the lack of self-confidence, frustration and nervousness that can develop in these children, ”notes Kou Murayama, lead author of the study, interviewed by the newspaper The Guardian.
According to this expert, the message is clear. Parents must do everything to support children, and to encourage them academically. They have to show them that they want to see them succeed.
However, parents should also measure their behavior, and not ask too much. This can indeed lead to creating in children a feeling of rejection towards school and exams, and it can have a much more negative impact on grades than if they had on the contrary provided no support.
