As parents, many of us find ourselves feeling anxious when our children's grades fluctuate. So, how can we reduce anxiety in family education?
Recently, Daniel Harper, an expert in educational innovation, was invited to the Maplewood Community Learning Center to help parents find solutions.
"Anxiety about our children's growth is something almost every family experiences," said Daniel Harper during a knowledge-sharing session at the Maplewood Community Learning Center. He focused on identifying the symptoms of anxiety in children and offering strategies for managing it.
Daniel Harper explained that children's sudden improvement in grades is often linked to strict expectations from parents. However, when children perform poorly, it can lead to parental anxiety, with worries about their future success. The key to managing this anxiety is understanding the reasons behind a child's decline in grades.
"Wise parents need to have a scientific understanding of their child," Daniel Harper said. "When faced with a decline in grades, parents should not react impulsively by either ignoring the issue or becoming overly strict. Instead, they need to understand the real reasons behind the decline—what exactly is happening with the child?"
Common causes for poor academic performance include whether a child has insufficient natural ability, whether they're not putting in enough effort, whether they're using the wrong study methods, or even if health issues are playing a role. Once these factors are clear, parents can take appropriate actions, such as encouraging exercise or providing additional tutoring. It's also important for parents to manage their emotions and create a relaxed, supportive environment for their child. This approach will naturally help reduce the anxiety linked to poor academic performance.
The Maplewood Community Learning Center also organized an activity aimed at alleviating anxiety. Children participated in a group activity where they took turns building and dismantling blocks. After several rounds of practice, the children successfully mastered the skill.
The purpose of the game was to create opportunities for children to interact with their peers in a relaxed setting. Daniel Harper explained that these community activities are beneficial because they allow children to leave the classroom and home environments, engaging with other children in an enjoyable atmosphere. Whether it's through learning or playing, this creates a good environment that strengthens friendships, reduces pressure from parents and teachers, and ultimately helps children.
After the activity, some children shared that they felt relaxed and happy playing at the Neighborly Center. Some parents also mentioned that they would bring their children to the center more often, as it helped the kids feel less anxious and more at ease when playing with others.
By fully understanding a child's characteristics and addressing their needs in communication, parents can help resolve conflicts and reduce anxiety. In addition, taking children out for a walk or visit to new places is another great way to reduce anxiety and provide a positive atmosphere.
In conclusion, understanding the underlying causes of academic performance issues and managing anxiety is key to creating a healthier environment for both parents and children. As we, parents, communicate better and support our children more effectively, we can reduce the pressures that lead to anxiety. Activities that encourage social interaction and relaxation, like those organized by the Neighborly Center, are wonderful tools to help everyone manage stress and foster a supportive, peaceful atmosphere at home.