While the immediate goal of preventing burnout is to alleviate a child’s suffering, the long-term benefits are even more profound. A clinical psychologist argues that by focusing on well-being, parents are teaching their children essential life skills that are far more valuable than any single letter grade.
When parents teach teens “self-regulation skills” like deep breathing, as suggested by clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat, they are giving them a tool they will use for the rest of their lives to manage stress in college, careers, and relationships. This is a skill of immense practical value.
When parents help a child build a balanced schedule with time for rest and play, they are teaching them the art of work-life balance. In a world that glorifies “hustle culture,” this is a counter-cultural but vital lesson for sustainable success and long-term health.
When parents prioritize the parent-child relationship and practice “emotional responsiveness,” they are modeling healthy communication and empathy. This helps their child build stronger relationships in their own life.
And when parents help an adolescent “reflect on their values and priorities,” they are fostering a strong sense of self that will guide them in making major life decisions. By shifting the focus from short-term academic wins to these long-term life skills, parents are making a wise investment in their child’s future. They are ensuring their child not only gets into a good college but also has the resilience and self-awareness to thrive when they get there.