KIDS SPEAK
It’s a scene that plays out in countless homes during exam season: a child walks in after a long day of tests, exhausted and hoping for a moment of relief. But instead of asking how they’re feeling or what they learned, the first question from their mother is often, “How did you do? Are you getting 95 percent this time?” This question not only puts pressure on the child but also makes them feel that their worth is tied to a ‘number on a report card’.
For students like us, the weight of these expectations can be overwhelming. Parents, teachers, and society all push us toward the same goal—high marks—turning the joy of learning into a source of stress. Though their intentions are often good, the effects are not. Instead of inspiring success, this constant pressure can lead to anxiety, serious mental health issues and in extreme cases, even thoughts of suicide.
Parents often worry about their children’s future, teachers push for academic excellence, and society tends to measure worth by grades. But these pressures can make students feel like they’re constantly being evaluated. In competitive school environments, the focus on ranks and class toppers can leave little room for error. It creates a race where even a small mistake feels catastrophic.
On top of that, society magnifies this pressure. Conversations often revolve around who scored the highest, who got into the best school, colleges, and who landed the highest-paying jobs. These endless comparisons can make students feel like their future is riding on a handful of exams.
Constantly striving for perfection can also cause burnout, leaving students physically and mentally drained, uninterested in subjects they once enjoyed. When the sole focus of education becomes marks, students miss out on the joy of learning. Instead of nurturing curiosity and critical thinking, studying becomes a necessary evil—a way to avoid failure rather than to grow intellectually. This mindset hinders long-term development.
Remember, how Indian cinema beautifully captured the impact of academic pressure on students in films like 3 Idiots and Taare Zameen Par.
3 Idiots is a film that resonated with millions of students and parents alike. It tells the story of three friends navigating the pressures of an engineering college. Through the character of ‘Rancho’, the film challenges the conventional mindset that equates success solely with academic achievement. Rancho encourages his friends – Farhan and Raju, to pursue their passions, urging them to follow what excites them rather than what society expects. The film also critiques the rigid education system, which prioritizes rote learning and high marks over creativity and practical knowledge.
The message to parents is clear: academic success does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Rather than forcing children to follow a path they are not passionate about, parents should encourage them to discover their own interests and talents. As Rancho famously says in the movie, “Chase excellence, and success will follow.”
Films like ‘Taare Zameen Par’ focus on the unique learning challenges faced by a young boy named ‘Ishaan’, who struggles with dyslexia. The film depicts how academic pressure and rigid expectations can alienate children who don’t fit the traditional mold of success. Ishaan’s journey, guided by a compassionate art teacher- Amir Khan, serves as a reminder that every child learns differently, and success cannot be defined solely by marks or grades.
One needs to understand how they can manage exam stress and for that first step is to communicate openly with their parents. If the expectations feel overwhelming, it’s important to express those feelings and explain how the pressure is affecting mental health. Many parents, once they understand, are willing to offer more support and adjust their approach and that helps students to shift their focus from marks to learning. When we prioritize understanding the material over chasing grades, we actually perform better in the long run. Grades might not always reflect success, but the knowledge gained will.
Time management is another big key to reducing stress. Breaking study sessions into manageable chunks, setting realistic goals, and taking regular breaks can help students avoid last-minute panic. Prioritizing tougher subjects and working on them first can ease anxiety when exams approach.
Additionally, mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can be powerful tools for calming the mind and managing stress. These practices help students like us to stay present, avoid overthinking about future outcomes, and maintain balance during exam prep.
We need to remember that exams are just one part of life. Students should make time for hobbies, physical exercise, and socializing to maintain a healthy balance. A well-rounded lifestyle will help keep both mind and body energized.
Parents, too, need to recognize that progress is more important than perfection. Celebrating effort and improvement rather than demanding perfect scores. When children are praised for their hard work instead of their innate abilities, they become more resilient and develop a love for learning.
Remember -not every child is destined to be an academic topper—and that’s perfectly okay. Success comes in many forms. Whether it’s excelling in the arts, sports, or vocational skills, these talents deserve to be nurtured and celebrated.
Parents need to offer their children unconditional love and support. When children feel secure in their parent’s love, they’re less burdened by the fear of failure. Knowing that they are valued for who they are, not just for what they achieve, allows them to approach exams with a healthier mindset.
The writer is a student of 6th standard.
