The topic of achievement in children,  and the interaction of their resilience, mental health & exam pressure is an annual discussion, often emerging around the time of state exams.  This article by Dr Colman Noctor looks at the concept of Student Burnout – the mental health risk and how it fosters a poor relationship with stress that could continue to emerge for the young persons they move into their adult lives.

Talk Therapy Dublin meets clients presenting in their  teens and 20’s struggling with the results of this experience, often with significant depression, anxiety & substance abuse issues.

We also have regular experience of adult clients struggling to do right by their children but this very struggle being the source of issues. One common example is an over the top extra curricular activity schedule from a young age leaving little time for exploratory play, trial & error and indeed family time.  Another common theme is how “failure” is presented & handled within a family.

• Is it an opportunity to learn & for support?
•  Should it be avoided at all costs??
• If a child shows an interest in music, should they immediately be enrolled in formal lessons multiple times a week?
• What is like for working parents to have to bring children to multiple extra curricular events every week/weekend.
• Is there much family time after parents work, school, homework & activities?