Child specialists warn that high expectations and stress at the beginning of the school year may harm children’s learning and mental health, emphasising the importance of a calm, supportive environment and realistic family expectations.
Excess pressure at the start of the school year can do more harm than good, child specialists say, as many families focus on marks and progress just as children need calm and confidence. According to the Mayo Clinic, a supportive home environment can help children focus and retain information more effectively, while constant monitoring may undermine learning.
Dr Ahmed Allam, a child education expert interviewed by Sada El-Balad, said a tense atmosphere at home can make it harder for pupils to perform at their best, even when they have the ability to do well. He argued that children should see education as a process of learning and skill-building, not as a permanent test of their worth.
Allam also cautioned against reading too much into a poor result in one subject. Different children naturally excel in different areas, and weak performance in one exam does not mean a child has failed or that their future is at risk. Articles from Laha and Youm7 have made similar points, stressing that repeated testing and attention problems can affect achievement without reflecting overall intelligence.
Health and stress can also affect concentration. Al Jazeera has reported on research linking high blood pressure in children to poorer memory and thinking skills, while Phyathai Hospital says inattention and hyperactivity can make it harder for children to stay focused in class. Together, those findings underline the value of reducing strain rather than adding to it.
Allam also turned to a more practical family concern: the cost of school supplies. He said fathers should share in buying uniforms, bags and stationery so both parents understand the prices involved and can make realistic choices within the family budget. That, he said, can ease arguments and turn back-to-school shopping into a calmer, even enjoyable, family activity for children.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
