A recent study finds most kids academic performance suffers due to this.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The study reveals that parents dealing with mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression can influence their kids academic performance.
- Researchers examined kids born in Norway between 1992 and 2002, specifically looking at their school performance at the age of 16. This is to understand the connection between parental mental health and academic achievement.
- The study utilized regression models, a sophisticated statistical method to analyze a range of data, including information on parents’ mental health, social and economic factors. The comparison between siblings and adoptees added depth to understanding genetic and environmental influences.
- While it initially appeared that kids with parents facing mental health issues had lower grades, a deeper dive revealed a mix of factors influencing academic performance. Family income, parents’ education level and even genetics played significant roles, making the relationship more intricate than initially thought.
- The impact of parental mental health on academic performance was less noticeable in siblings and nearly nonexistent in adoptees. It suggests that the family environment and shared genetics might be more influential than the specific mental health problems of the parents. This challenges the notion of a straightforward link between parental mental health and academic success.
So, there’s this recent study about how the mental health of parents especially issues like anxiety and depression, can affect how well their kids do in school.
Scientists found that when parents have these kinds of mental health problems, it can have a small but noticeable impact on their kids’ grades.
The study looked at a bunch of kids born in Norway between 1992 and 2002. They focused on how these kids were doing in school when they turned 16.
The researchers wanted to figure out if the mental health of parents, specifically issues like anxiety and depression, had anything to do with how well their kids did in school.
They used fancy math stuff called regression models to analyze all the information. They checked out data on the mental health of parents and also looked at social and economic info. What’s cool is they even compared siblings and adoptees to really understand how genetics and the environment play a role.
Now, here’s the interesting part. They found that about 18.8% of the kids had a parent with anxiety or depression during the last three years of their time in compulsory education.
At first, it seemed like kids with parents dealing with these issues had lower grades.
But when the researchers dug deeper and considered things like how much money the family makes, the education level of the parents, and whether siblings in the same family had different experiences, they realized it’s not that simple.
It turns out that a kid’s school performance is affected by a mix of things. It’s not just about the parent’s mental health.
Factors like how much money the family has, the education level of the parents and even genetic stuff all play a role. And get this – the impact was much less noticeable in siblings and pretty much nonexistent in adoptees.
This suggests that the family environment or shared genes might be more important than the actual mental health problems of the parents.
But, there are some things to keep in mind. The study used data from records, which might not catch all cases of mental health issues because not everyone seeks treatment.
Also, the findings show connections, not necessarily reasons. Plus, the unique situations of adoptees and the different experiences of siblings could make the results a bit tricky to interpret.
Ways To Help Boost Kids Academic Performance in School as Parents
These are some practical ways parents can support their kids’ academic success:
Stick to a Routine – Help your child establish a daily schedule that includes dedicated time for homework, studying and extracurricular activities. Consistency builds good study habits and time management skills.
Make sure you designate a quiet and organized study area at home. Keep distractions to a minimum and ensure good lighting. A comfortable study environment boosts concentration.
More importantly, encourage regular reading. That is, cultivate a love for reading by offering a variety of age-appropriate books. Encourage daily reading, whether it’s a novel, newspaper or educational material.
I am glad to tell you that reading enhances vocabulary and comprehension.
Stay Engaged in School Life – Attend parent-teacher conferences, school events and stay updated on your kid’s progress. Building a partnership with teachers provides better support and insight into your kid’s academic needs.
while art that, ensure your child maintains a healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, nutritious meals and regular physical activity. Physical well-being positively impacts cognitive function and overall academic performance.
Also, set reasonable limits on screen time for activities like watching TV and playing video games. Excessive screen time can disrupt sleep and study routines.
Foster Curiosity and Critical Thinking – Nurture a curious mindset by encouraging your kid to ask questions and explore topics of interest. Engaging in discussions develops critical thinking skills and a genuine passion for learning.
Don’t forget to provide academic assistance to your kid. That is, offer help with homework and projects when needed.
Be available to answer questions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the material rather than focusing solely on grades.
Blend Learning into Daily Life – Integrate educational elements into everyday activities. For instance, involve your kid in cooking to teach math skills. Also, explore nature together to spark an interest in science.
But, collaborate with your kid to set realistic academic goals. Breaking down larger goals into manageable tasks can boost motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
While at it, make sure to recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements, big and small. Positive reinforcement cultivates a positive attitude toward learning and encourages continuous effort.
Encourage a Growth Mindset – Instill the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance. A growth mindset fosters resilience in facing challenges and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Also, attend museums, cultural events and educational outings to broaden your kid’s perspectives. Exposure to diverse experiences stimulates curiosity and creativity.
In all of these, keep in mind that each kid is unique, so tailor these strategies to fit your kid’s individual learning style and requirements.
A supportive environment and open communication are crucial for enhancing academic performance.
More so, this study published in npj Science of Learning gives us a sneak peek into how a parent’s mental health, like anxiety and depression, might have a say in how well their kids do in school.
While there is a link, it’s not as straightforward as it might seem. The family’s overall situation and maybe even genetics are big players in this game.
However, it’s a step toward understanding how mental health and school success are all tangled up together.