- The MindFull Parent
- Posts
- How We Handle Academic Pressure at Home: Parenting Tips for Different Learners
How We Handle Academic Pressure at Home: Parenting Tips for Different Learners
Exam stress is real, but does it define success? Discover our mindful approach to parenting through school pressures.
Michelle Lim
October 21, 2024
Welcome back MindFull Readers,
How would you like to support your children when it comes to academics?
I’m sure you remember last week’s newsletter, where we delved into Singapore’s education system and discussed the main sources of pressure placed on our children during their academic years. Now, the real question is, how do we navigate this journey as mindfully as possible? Here’s how my husband and I handle the situation at home with our three vastly different children.
Let’s take a quick look at each of our children so you can get a clearer picture of our situation:
Big R (our son): He’s very intelligent and has the ability to absorb knowledge quickly and in-depth. He recently took the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) examinations and has also been influenced by my husband’s ex-spouse to believe that academics are the true measure of success in life.
Big A (our oldest daughter): Learning new things academically doesn’t come easily for her. She often needs to take the “long way” but is very determined. Born with lower neuroplasticity, she’s more artistically inclined than academically focused.
Small A (our youngest daughter): She’s very intelligent, with a suspected case of high-functioning ADHD. While she has significant challenges with reading and writing, her speech abilities have been exceptional from an early age. She can be quite stubborn when it comes to learning new things.
I think many of you can relate to the fact that no two children are the same, even when they share the same genetics. For us, it's a daily challenge to balance our ex-spouse's values with our own while guiding our kids to shape their own perspectives on life. We constantly remind them of this key principle when it comes to academics 👇:
From left to right: Big A, Big R and Small A.
"Yes, it’s important to work hard at school and always do your best. We can tell when you’ve done your best, and we’ll support you however we can when things get tough. For some, putting in their 100% might mean getting a passing grade, while for others, it means achieving an A star. But that does not measure your success in life. True success is when, deep inside, you know that you gave it your all and you’re happy with yourself. The results of your exams are just a tiny part of your life," [while holding up two fingers to visualise how tiny it will seem] "Some people are more artistically skilled than they are academically, and that makes each person uniquely beautiful."
I’m so glad to have observed and seen that more and more parents are adopting this kind of approach in today’s world. 🩵
What else are you struggling with when it comes to guiding your kids through Singapore’s education system? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
With warmth and mindfulness,
Michelle Lim | Reparenting Life Coach - I help you break the generational trauma cycle and support inner child healing.
P.S. If you'd like to set up a free, 30-minute, no obligation, Healing & Growth Call with me to explore whether I am the right Reparenting Life Coach for you please book a slot at this link https://calendly.com/michelle-lim-tmp/healing-and-growth-call
Michelle Lim | Mother of 3 | Multi-Coach | Founder of The MindFull Parent | Writer | Preschool Educator | Babywearing Specialist | Breastfeeding Mentor
If you have enjoyed my work and wish to support what I do, please consider buying me a coffee!
-Or-
🗞️👉 Refer your friends to sign up for the newsletter here! 👈🗞️
-Or-
💌 Send me an email at [email protected] 💌
💡 For more useful tips and resources go to our website The MindFull Parent
(Under Development)
You can also follow Michelle’s story about her chaotic yet loving parenting journey and other adventures on her personal Instagram.
Reply