Most all parents want the best for their children. They want them to succeed in school as well as in life. This desire for their children to well in life, especially school, can in some cases become obsessive. Parents forget that in many cases people learn by making mistakes.
Parents can push their children too hard to do well. Many parents begin “training” their children to do well in school and get an early start at a very young age. They begin urging their baby to take steps and tossing flash card pictures in front of their toddlers. They drill their preschoolers on letters and numbers and singing the alphabet.
Some parents begin to actually coach their children in which answers to questions are appropriate. In some extreme cases, these children begin to become afraid to think for themselves. They fear letting down their parents by giving the wrong answer.
Some parents push their children out of guilt. Working mothers may feel guilty about having to leave their child with a sitter. In attempt to make up they give their child structured activities such as computer classes and tutoring sessions. The best way to make up for lost time with their children would be through play with each other.
Some parents push their children so they can have a better life. If the parents had a struggle in life, they may feel that if they push their children to succeed then the same struggles will not be faced.
Sadly some parents push their children for another reason. That reason is parent competition. These parents want the claim of their child being number one. They push for the best preschool and the best prep school and so forth. These parents push for their children to be the best at sports. These parents find joy not in their children’s success but in the fact that their children are ahead of others.
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