Written by: Louisa Bezuidenhout
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In 2021 I retired from full-time teaching and started my own business as a tutor and consultant to young teachers. The scene has changed drastically from when I first started as a young, inexperienced educator stepping into my own classroom. Now I start my day opening emails. I correspond with parents and colleagues via WhatsApp. Some of my lessons are online. However, the biggest change that I have noticed is the mental health of the students.
A pandemic of depression
Teenagers have the same feelings of uncertainty and insecurity as the ones I taught almost thirty years ago. Yet, this generation seems more anxious and lacks confidence. There is a worldwide pandemic of teen depression and learning challenges.
Why are our children more at risk of mental illnesses than before?
One of the reasons is that the family structure has changed dramatically. Work has become more demanding, and parents are spending less time with their children. Work is not localised anymore, and employers can get hold of their employees 24/7. Divorce rates have escalated at alarming rates and children are the ones suffering the most. Learning is an emotional experience. Our children are not robots that can be switched “on” to learn and produce the results we expect from them. Children from happy and stable homes tend to perform better academically and socially.
The burden we are placing on our kids
The world has become performance-crazy, looking for the next super star. Do we realise what a tremendous burden we are placing on our children? We expect them to get it right the first time. What happened to the saying “practice makes perfect”? No wonder our children are afraid to take risks. No wonder some of them are nervous wrecks.
This is serious!
Parents – please stop and reconsider. This is serious. The next generation is at risk. Take time out. Switch off your phone. Plan a trip with the family. A picnic at the beach or in a park. Kick a ball with them. Tell jokes and be silly. Hold them close to your bosom and tell them that you love them. Tell them that it is okay if they make a mistake and if they ever mess up seriously, ask them to run to you and not away from you.
Nothing replaces time together
Your work demands a lot from you, but your children will be in your home for a few years. Time has wings and before you know it, they pack their bags and move out and move on. Invest in them by spending time with them.
Parents have a huge responsibility
Do nothing for one minute. Does it feel long? Indeed. Take therefore one minute and share something encouraging. A happier child will surface. Eventually academic results will be better. Why? Your child has less baggage to carry. Children do not need expensive gifts. Time with family is more valuable than anything money can buy. Parents form an integral part of the missing link to the success and balance of their children’s wellbeing. The task given to us is too great to carry alone. Get involved in a local church and spend time in God’s Word.
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Date published: 22/09/2022
Louisa Bezuidenhout – JOY! reader and Sole Proprietor of Hope Tutoring Academy. Email hopetutoring24@gmail.com
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