Online Reporter
As parents, we have all experienced the anxiety surrounding our children’s examination results, hoping for the best while bracing for any outcome.
In Zimbabwe, the recent release of Grade Seven results and the upcoming O and A-Level results can elevate stress for families, affecting both parents and students.
This time of year, filled with graduations and celebrations, can also bring tension as couples may disagree about their child’s next academic steps.
Yet, amidst this uncertainty, one constant remains — the power of love. It is vital to remember the love that brought you together and the love you have for your children.
Our support can significantly impact their journey, regardless of their academic achievements. During this results season, let’s remind ourselves that our children’s worth goes beyond their grades.
Here are ways to show love and support:
Listen without judgment: Allow your child to express their feelings openly.
Focus on effort, not just results: Praise them for their hard work and dedication instead of solely their grades.
Offer guidance and support: Help set goals and develop strategies for improvement, rather than just criticizing performance.
Celebrate their uniqueness: Remind them they are valued for more than academic success; they are unique and loved individuals. By demonstrating love and acceptance, we can help our children build resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset.
Parenting challenges
Before embarking on parenthood, couples should recognise the realities they will face. It’s a 24/7 commitment requiring patience and dedication.
As the African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but in today’s nuclear families, much of this responsibility falls on parents.
For new couples starting this journey, here are eight practical tips to consider:
1. Tag-team parenting: Work together, dividing responsibilities and supporting each other.
2. Communicate effectively: Make time to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
3. Schedule quality time: Prioritise time together to strengthen your connection and prevent burnout.
4. Practice self-care: Look after yourselves physically and emotionally to foster a healthy family environment.
5. Be flexible: Adapt to the unpredictable nature of parenting; things won’t always go as planned.
6. Show appreciation: Celebrate small victories and express gratitude for each other and your children.
7. Seek support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or support groups. For those already navigating parenting, consider these expert tips for raising emotionally strong children.
Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author, emphasises that raising mentally strong kids isn’t about telling them to “toughen up.” Instead, it’s about equipping them with skills to tackle challenges and manage emotions.
Morin suggests using simple phrases that foster resilience and emotional intelligence.
For example, when a child expresses negative self-talk, parents should guide them to reframe their thoughts.
Instead of merely reassuring them, ask how they would advise a friend in a similar situation, encouraging self-compassion.
When your child struggles, rather than immediately solving the problem, offer to tackle it together.
This teaches problem-solving skills and reassures them they aren’t alone. Additionally, remind them that feelings are valid, but behaviours must be managed.
Teach alternative coping strategies, such as deep breathing or discussing emotions, which are crucial skills for life.
Other helpful phrases include: “What can we learn from this?” and “Let’s talk about what we’re grateful for today.” Acknowledging effort over results teaches children to value perseverance, helping them develop self-motivation and resilience.
Remember, parenting is a journey, not a destination. With love as our guiding principle, we can navigate challenges with grace and understanding.
As we approach the end of the year, I want to remind all our children: You are loved, you are valued, and you are enough, regardless of your examination results.
To fellow parents, let’s do our best to support our children and show them the power of unconditional love.
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