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In the contemporary world, it is a common belief that children should be the best at everything they do, while there are a number of strong arguments against putting too much pressure on children to excel in all areas. On the contrary, I believe that a balanced approach is more beneficial. In this essay, I will explain some relevant aspects of both viewpoints and clarify why both of them are important.
There is ample evidence suggesting that pushing children to be the best can motivate them to achieve great things. First and foremost, it encourages discipline, hard work, and a strong sense of responsibility. More specifically, children who are constantly motivated to do their best often develop a competitive mindset and learn to set higher goals. For instance, a recent survey conducted by the Daily Star, a prominent newspaper of Bangladesh, reported that students who were encouraged by their parents to excel showed 30% higher academic performance compared to those who were not.
It is worth pointing out that there are also arguments supporting the opinion that too much pressure can harm children’s mental health and self-esteem. To start off with, expecting perfection in everything may lead to stress, anxiety, and fear of failure. Last but not least, children may lose interest in learning and become demotivated if they feel they can never meet expectations. In evidence, the Bangladesh Child Psychology Association found that 40% of school-going children with high parental pressure suffered from anxiety-related issues.
In conclusion, it is clear that expecting children to be the best has both positive and negative sides. However, I do believe that parents should encourage children to do their best without forcing them to be perfect in everything. A supportive and understanding environment helps children grow into confident and happy individuals.