For many students, the school environment can feel like the trenches of a relentless battle for grades and recognition, a primary source of the stress that leads to burnout. However, a clinical psychologist suggests that with proactive effort from parents, a student’s relationship with their school can be transformed from a source of pressure into a vital network of support.
The goal, as clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat explains, is to help a child “maintain a strong school connection” so they feel “supported rather than simply evaluated.” This fundamental shift in perception can significantly reduce the anxiety and isolation that many students experience. When a child sees their school as a community invested in their growth, the entire educational journey becomes less daunting.
Parents can act as bridge-builders in fostering this positive connection. This begins with modeling a collaborative, rather than adversarial, relationship with teachers and staff. By communicating openly and respectfully with educators, parents can create a united front that shows the child that the key adults in their life are working together for their benefit.
Furthermore, parents can empower their children, especially teenagers, to become active agents in building this supportive network. This involves coaching them on how to advocate for themselves—how to ask a teacher for help, discuss a heavy workload, or seek guidance from a school counselor. These skills not only help in the short term but also build lifelong confidence and resilience.
By actively working to reframe the school experience, parents can help dismantle the high-pressure, evaluative atmosphere that breeds burnout. They can help their child see school not as a place of constant judgment, but as a community rich with resources, mentors, and allies dedicated to helping them thrive.