Buzz
When it comes to educating children, people around the world immediately think about how to let their kids develop and learn freely in the best way possible. However, in Vietnam, parents tend to think about...achievements and how to achieve the highest possible “achievement” for their children.
The disease of achievement is weighing heavily on children
There have been too many articles on this education topic, and honestly, I don't want to talk more about it. But just yesterday, while picking up my niece from a math enrichment class at 7:00 pm, I overheard a parent telling their child: “Try harder, take extra English classes, and tomorrow you'll become an excellent student, mommy loves you!”. On the way home, I couldn't help but think: she's only in first grade and already studying like that? Do they think their child is a 'superhero' that needs to take 2-3 extra classes per day?...
The disease of achievement has almost seeped into the blood – into the thoughts and minds of the Vietnamese people. I no longer care about that, but when I see parents pushing their children to chase after academic achievements, it's truly sad! Looking at those tired, worn-out faces of the children, my heart aches for an entire generation.
Children are overloaded with extra classes and tutoring
Engaging in extracurricular activities such as playing musical instruments, singing, dancing, sports, martial arts, etc., is fundamentally beneficial for children. However, nowadays, participation has deviated, focusing excessively on achieving academic success.
The pursuit of academic excellence has become too commonplace, making it seemingly effortless for any child to excel academically. Hence, parents are exploring alternative avenues, like enrolling in the aforementioned extracurricular classes, to help their children stand out amongst their peers not just through grades but also by participating in a diverse range of activities.
Pause before it's too late
Many claim, 'Back in my day, I didn't study much; now, I want my child to excel academically to avoid the hardships I faced.' Yes, that sentiment is valid, but the actions taken are misguided. Forcing children into a race, like machines, to match others only results in them 'following the crowd' and 'conforming' rather than developing freely.
Children's toys are not tools for comparison – winners or losers
We need a shift in our approach to education. Society doesn't require individuals who are 'carbon copies' of each other but craves individuals who can innovate, recognize when change is necessary, and have the courage to embrace change to enhance their own development. Let's collectively strive to restore childhood to our children!
