Page 32 - FWG Issue 8_2022

Today’s Child

We constantly push

concepts like ‘Don’t give

up’, and ‘Stay committed’.

While these serve a

purpose and lead to a

good attitude in many

cases, it’s also about

balance, self-care and

knowing their limits.

in a competitive world. They want them to supper time and then still trying to keep serve a purpose and lead to a good attitude
participate in team sports or other sports up with school work. What they need are in many cases, it’s also about balance, self-
and cultural activities to build character, opportunities to engage in hobbies that care and knowing their limits. You should
create social bonds and be ‘off their screens’. revitalise them and have no expectations, keep your expectations realistic too. Not
But all the pressure can be overwhelming to spend quality time with their families every child is an academic – sometimes,
and counterproductive. Sometimes they and to be able to achieve the elusive not even the brightest. They should be
just need to be kids. work/life balance that we as adults try so supported and encouraged to do their best
hard to achieve. rather than chase unattainable results. With
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a less pressure and anxiety, you may find they
child in tears in my classroom because they But, we also want our children to grow up do better anyway and come into their own
are so disappointed in a test result. And to be resilient so they can handle life’s hard once they are through the system.
when I tried to reassure them and comfort knocks. Trying to avoid or eliminate the
them, their response was along the lines of, source of their anxiety can disempower Parenting is not for sissies. It’s a fine line
“my parents are going to kill me!” them. The key is to help them manage their between firm encouragement and gentle
anxiety and to recognise it. When they feel support, wanting them to conquer the
I’ve had children experience full-blown safe enough to discuss their feelings, they world and helping them get through a day.
panic attacks, and when we sit and will also be open to letting you know when We doubt ourselves constantly, regardless
chat, I discover that they struggle to the pressure is just too overwhelming, and of which stance we take but, ultimately, we
keep up with school work because their you can help them choose the activities all want what is best for our kids, and it is
afternoons are full of karate classes, horse that give them an outlet and walk away the source of all of our efforts. We need to
riding, gymnastics, swimming practice from the ones that smother them. cut our children some slack, so they can one
– and the list goes on. And while these day go out and conquer the world thanks to
things are great outlets when done in IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE good self-esteem, valuing their own needs
moderation, many kids are doing more We constantly push concepts like ‘Don’t and developing compassion and empathy
than one of these a day, getting home at give up’, and ‘Stay committed’. While these by following our example.

Fourways Gardens • 30 • September 2022