Do you want a child with top grades or a happy one? Advice for parents at the start of the school year

The return to school can be difficult for children. They must adapt to early mornings, the journey to school, new teachers and requirements, and a workload that may be larger and harder than before.

Academic performance often dominates parents’ thinking, but children need time to settle into the new school year. For some, adjustment takes several weeks. For others, it may take the first two months.

Parents can begin by setting a regular time for homework. Many children work best immediately after school, while others need a break before starting. Once the family chooses a schedule, children should follow it even when they do not feel like studying.

The guidance also urges parents to encourage independence. They should explain their expectations, but give children responsibility for their own learning. Asking a teacher for help and developing their own solutions can build confidence more effectively than being told what to do. Good habits, including time management and organization, deserve more attention than grades alone.

Parents are also encouraged to consider whether their expectations are realistic. The article asks whether they want a happy child with above-average grades, or one with excellent grades who feels stressed, angry and unhappy. Parents should check notebooks, discuss homework, tests and classes each day, and speak with teachers when extra help may be needed.

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Do you want a happy child with above-average grades, or a child with very high grades who is stressed, angry and unhappy?