Parental pressure in today’s competitive age is one of the biggest emotional burdens borne by students. It affects their studies, self confidence and overall well being.

Education today is not rote learning, neither are there ancient day career choices. The National Education Policy 2020 promotes overall development, skill training and career choice flexibility. Yet most parents still dictate success in terms of marks, ranks and traditional careers. This mix of changing education and rigid parental thinking causes tremendous pressure on students.

Pressure cooked kids lose their passion. They lose interest in learning. Most read to impress not to understand. Fear outweighs curiosity. They copy others because their parents do. This copying destroys individuality. Every child has a different potential but pressure leads them to feel unequal. If students cannot match up they feel guilty and shame. Some even lose interest in living. Reports from the National Crime Records Bureau reveal a rising rate of suicides among students and the largest percentage of these are due to parental and academic pressure. This must prompt every parent to pause and think.

You cannot grow a child. It must be brought up. Parents are the first teachers and emotional mentors. They are also the ones who could heal or hurt with words. Admiration brings power but sarcasm breaks........

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