Page 48 - Waterfall Issue 9_2022

Waterfall 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.

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

46 Waterfall Issue 9 2022