Introduction
Parenting is one of the most significant responsibilities a person can have, yet there is no formal
education on how to do it well. Society expects individuals to instinctively know how to raise
children, often mirroring the behaviors they experienced in their own upbringing. This cycle of
generational parenting, riddled with outdated methods, excessive expectations, and emotional
neglect, needs to be addressed. The solution? Introducing parenting education in schools.
Breaking the Cycle of Generational Toxicity
Many parents unknowingly perpetuate the same mistakes their parents made. “I was raised this
way, and I turned out fine” is a common justification. But did they really turn out fine? The pressure to excel, the burden of unrealistic expectations, and the emotional detachment many children face often lead to severe mental health struggles. Studies show that childhood stress and parental pressure contribute to anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation among teenagers. If we truly want to break this cycle, we must equip future parents with the knowledge and emotional intelligence needed to raise emotionally secure children. I have personally witnessed this struggle. A close friend of mine, an exceptionally talented artist, was forced into engineering by her parents. Despite excelling academically, she felt suffocated. Her passion for art dimmed, and with it, her happiness. It took years for her to regain her confidence and begin creating again. Stories like hers are far too common.
The Harm of Unrealistic Expectations and Pressure
Parents often push their children into fields they have no interest in, under the guise of ensuring a “better future.” They compare them to others, dismiss their passions, and overload them with responsibilities they never signed up for. The constant pressure to achieve leads many students to associate their self-worth with their academic performance. A failure, even a small one, feels like a personal catastrophe. It is no surprise that suicide rates among students continue to rise. Shouldn’t we, as a society, take preventive measures rather than mourn preventable tragedies?
Teaching Parenting in Schools: A Necessity, Not an Option
Parenting is a skill — one that requires patience, understanding, and emotional intelligence. Schools already teach life skills such as financial literacy and sex education; why not parenting? A well-structured curriculum could cover: • Understanding childhood psychology — How children develop emotionally and mentally.
- Effective communication — The importance of listening and responding to children’s needs.
- Breaking toxic patterns — Recognizing and unlearning harmful behaviors.
- Balancing discipline and support — Raising confident, independent children without fear-based parenting.
- Mental health awareness — Understanding how parental actions impact a child’s well-being.
Some countries have already introduced parenting education in schools. In the Netherlands, for
example, students learn about emotional intelligence and effective parenting strategies as part of
their curriculum. These programs have been linked to lower rates of childhood depression and
higher levels of emotional well-being among students. If young people are taught about safe sex to prevent unwanted pregnancies, why not also teach them how to be good parents if they do choose to have children?
A Future Where Parenting Is Intentional, Not Accidental
If parenting education became a norm, we could build a society where children grow up emotionally secure, heard, and respected. Parents would no longer rely on outdated, harmful methods but instead embrace healthy, supportive parenting styles. It’s time we stop treating parenting as an instinct and start treating it as the skill that it is — one that should be taught, refined, and continuously improved. Schools are meant to prepare individuals for life. And parenting, undeniably, is one of the most important aspects of it.
About the Author
Roonaq Fayaz is a first-year MBBS student at Government Medical College Baramulla, an award-winning author, and the co-author of more than 300 books. Her writing explores emotional well-being, societal pressures, identity, and human psychology through both literary and analytical perspectives. roonaq16@gmail.com