As parents, everyone wants their children to do their best in every aspect of life, especially at school. School exam results are often considered the ultimate measure of a child's success. Recently, the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results were released, revealing that more than half of the students who took the exam failed. This outcome can be devastating for both children and their parents. When children fail exams or secure poor marks, parents are heartbroken just as their kids are. Some parents might think that their child is not giving their best or isn't serious about their studies, but that's not always the case. Teenagers aren’t full-fledged adults yet; they are still developing their executive function skills.
During adolescence, individuals seek to establish a clear sense of personal identity. This involves exploring different roles, beliefs, and values to find what fits best with their own sense of self. When adolescents struggle to find a coherent identity, they may experience role confusion. This can manifest as uncertainty about their future, their interests, and their place in society. This confusion can impact their academic performance and overall well-being.
The struggle between identity and role confusion can significantly affect various aspects of an adolescent's life, including their academic performance. When teenagers are unsure about their identity or future, they may experience:
Decreased Motivation: Uncertainty about one's goals and interests can lead to a lack of motivation to study or engage in school activities.
Increased Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to conform to societal or parental expectations can cause stress and anxiety, which negatively impacts mental health and academic performance.
Lower Self-Esteem: Constantly comparing themselves to high achievers can lower adolescents' self-esteem, making them feel inadequate and less confident in their abilities.
How Parents Can Play a Supportive Role
Parents play a crucial role in helping their children navigate the challenges of adolescence and the crisis of identity vs. role confusion. Here are some ways parents can provide support, with examples and short case stories to illustrate these points.
Coping with anxiety disorder in children
1. Encouragement and Open Communication
Case Story:
Ravi, a 16-year-old student, failed his SEE exams. His parents were initially disappointed and blamed him for not studying hard enough. However, after a heart-to-heart conversation, they discovered that Ravi was struggling with anxiety and pressure from his peers. His parents decided to focus on open communication and encouragement.
Ravi's parents started having regular, non-judgmental conversations with him about his feelings and challenges. They encouraged him to share his thoughts and provided emotional support, which helped Ravi feel understood and less anxious. Over time, Ravi's confidence improved, and he began to perform better academically.
2. Providing a Conducive Study Environment
Case Story:
Mina, a 15-year-old girl, was unable to concentrate on her studies because of the noisy environment at home. Her parents worked late, and there was no structured time for studying.
Mina's parents rearranged their schedule to ensure a quiet, dedicated study time for her. They created a comfortable study space and set realistic goals together. This change helped Mina focus better, and she started showing significant improvement in her schoolwork.
3. Understanding Individual Learning Styles
Case Story:
Ajay, a 17-year-old, was struggling with traditional methods of learning. Despite studying hard, he couldn't grasp the concepts taught in school.
Ajay's parents took the time to understand his learning style. They realized that Ajay was a visual learner and benefited more from diagrams and videos. They incorporated these tools into his study routine, which made learning more enjoyable and effective for him.
4. Seeking Professional Help When Needed
Case Story:
Rahul, a 17-year-old, showed signs of depression after failing his exams. He lost interest in studies and withdrew from social activities.
Rahul's parents recognized the severity of his situation and sought help from a school counselor and a psychologist. Professional guidance helped Rahul address his mental health issues and develop coping strategies. With time and support, Rahul regained his motivation and academic performance improved.
Rethinking Educational Policies
The recent SEE results highlight the need for the government to reconsider its educational policies. The current system places immense pressure on students to perform well in exams, often neglecting individual learning needs and mental health. Policymakers should focus on creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that recognizes diverse talents and learning styles.
Encouraging Unique Talents and Interests
Parents should accept their child's weaknesses and stop comparing their children with themselves or other high achievers. Each student is born with unique talents. As parents, guardians, teachers, schools, and stakeholders, we should encourage students to pursue career options that match their interests, goals, and academic outcomes. Overstressing a particular career field or stream can lead to unnecessary pressure and hinder the development of a well-rounded individual.
Adolescence is a challenging phase marked by the struggle for identity and the risk of role confusion. During this critical period, parental support can make a significant difference in helping adolescents navigate their path. By fostering open communication, creating conducive study environments, understanding individual learning styles, promoting balanced lifestyles, and seeking professional help when necessary, parents can guide their children through the complexities of adolescence and help them achieve their full potential.
Understanding that poor exam results are not solely a reflection of a child's effort or seriousness is crucial. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges adolescents face allows parents to provide the support and encouragement their children need to succeed in all aspects of life. Let us work together to create a more supportive and understanding environment for our children, ensuring they grow into confident and capable adults.
