Sharjah 24: Putting pressure on children to outperform peers or comparing them with their classmates is an unhealthy practice, which disregards the natural differences in human capabilities that distinguishes one child from the other, emphasised Hanadi Al Yafei, Director, Child Safety Department, Sharjah.

Parents should instead focus on discovering and developing their children's innate talents and refrain from judging them or questioning their abilities based on school test scores, she added.

Al Yafei made the statement in the light of the upcoming end-of-the-year school examinations in many schools in the emirate. She entreated parents not to condition their love and affection for their wards on the basis of their academic performance.  A healthy upbringing should be founded on unconditional love in order for children to grow and realise their potential to the fullest; this will boost their self-esteem without any negative impact that can affect their academic performance during school exams, she stressed.

The Director pointed out the importance of psychological support for children during exams, which would help them to be more focused, have a high morale without pressure, stress, and fear of exams, and not merely trying to live up to their parents' expectations.

She urged parents to take care of their children's mental and physical health by ensuring a fixed bedtime, breaks and good nutrition in addition to providing a supportive environment while they prepare for exams.

Al Yafei wished all students in the emirate good luck for the coming exams.