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It’s not only in schools that children face pressure today. At home, parents demand performance not only in academics but also in extra-curricular activities. The situation is turning so alarming that children in the age group of 5-10 years are suffering from anxiety and depression.
As much as there is pressure to get good grades in school, parents are increasingly seeing their child a tool to win fame.
Psychological aspect
Reality shows, which showcase talented young kids, can be highly stressful for the children. “There is a need to understand that if a child has talent then he/she should be given the platform. But what is not right is to put pressure on them to win, at such a young age,” said Swati Popat, President, Early Childhood Association.
Early Childhood Association has also partnered with Nickelodeon for its campaign ‘Pressure ko bolo bye bye’. The aim of the campaign is to make parents, teachers and children aware that stress among kids can start at a very early age.
According to experts, there is no notion of free play; everything they do is evaluated. The child goes through vigorous coaching or training programme. There is also a psychological aspect to it, said an expert.
“The children get so used to getting things, when they are denied — even if they fail to win — they are unable to cope with it,” said another expert.
Behavioural problem
Popat said though there is awareness about how crucial the early years are in the development of a child, and parents take measures to de-stress their children when they are gearing up for board exams, those in the age-group of 5-10 remain ignored.
At such a young age, children may not able to express themselves, but will show it through behavioural problems in the classroom where they may face learning difficulty. Moreover, there is a need for parents and teachers to understand the difference between learning difficulty and learning disability, she added.
“Parents want their children to be engaged in some kind of activity even during holidays. This is needed, but children also need some free time. There is always a sense of competition due to which even activities designed to de-stress can add to the kid’s stress,” said Suhita Saha, Clinical Psychologist, MindfulTMS Neurocare in Bengaluru.
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