New Book Examines the Impact of Achievement Pressure on Children’s Mental Health
In her recent book, “Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic — and What We Can Do About It,” parenting researcher Jennifer Breheny Wallace explores the concept of toxic achievement culture and its detrimental effects on children’s well-being. Wallace conducted interviews with psychologists and collaborated with a researcher from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to survey 6,500 parents across the United States.
According to Wallace, some parents found that the best way to support their children’s success was to hold them back rather than encouraging every opportunity. These parents implemented boundaries and took a more cautious approach. They recognized that children often absorb the competitive atmosphere around them, especially in their aspirations to gain admission to top-tier colleges.
Research shows that attitudes and behaviors can be contagious, particularly among children and teenagers. Simply being around peers who are stressed about academic performance or extracurricular activities can exacerbate anxiety and mental health issues. In such cases, parents may need to intervene and encourage their children to slow down.
Wallace discovered that parents who modeled healthy habits themselves played a crucial role in promoting their children’s well-being. It was important for parents to prioritize self-care, maintain a balanced schedule, and spend quality time with family. By avoiding excessive workloads, getting enough sleep, and refraining from checking emails during family time, parents can set a positive example for their children.
In her book, Wallace emphasizes the importance of aligning words with actions to avoid creating dissonance between parental expectations and behavior. By nurturing a supportive environment and advocating for rest and downtime, parents can contribute to their children’s long-term success and well-being.
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