FCS Blog

Parenting – a journey filled with countless decisions from the very moment your
child enters this world. Among these many decisions, few cause as much stress and
uncertainty as those related to their education. Unfortunately, the society in which
we live has placed so much pressure on parents to ensure their child's educational
journey starts off on the right foot. This can be so overwhelming. I have discovered
that one aspect of this journey can induce an intense amount of parental anxiety –
early childhood education assessments.
While I have conducted these very assessments in my office. It is my belief that they
can bring on parental stress because of the fear of the unknown. Parents may worry
about what the assessment will reveal about their child's abilities and whether any
perceived shortcomings will affect their future academic success. Additionally, there
is the pressure to compare their child's performance to that of their peers, leading to
concerns about whether their child is "keeping up" or falling behind.
Simply put - the stakes can feel high. Parents may feel that the results of these
assessments could determine their child's educational future and even impact their
long-term opportunities. This pressure can be exacerbated by the expectations of
the society we live in and the desire parents have to give their child every possible
advantage in an ever-increasingly competitive world.
The anxiety over early childhood education assessments is understandable, however
I believe that it's essential to approach these assessments with a balanced
perspective. Here are a few strategies that you may find helpful to alleviate parental
anxiety:

1. Educate Yourself: Once you understand the purpose of the assessment and what it entails, you may feel
more confident about the process.
2. Focus on Growth, Not Comparison: Every child develops at their own pace. Try to focus on your child’s
individual achievements and progress rather than fixating on how your child compares to others. Remember
that it’s always important to emphasize the value of continuous improvement rather than achieving arbitrary
milestones.
3. Open Communication: Always communicate with your child’s teachers and educational professionals. It’s
important to express any concerns you have so that you can partner together in your child’s education.
4. Emphasize the Whole Child: Academic success is important, but it isn’t the sole measure of a child's
worth or their potential. As parents, it’s important that we encourage and nurture our children’s social,
emotional, and creative development alongside their academic aspirations.
5. Practice Self-Care: My Mother has always told me, “If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care
of anyone else.” Adulting can be tough, but parenting can be even more so demanding! It's essential to take
care of your own well-being. Let me encourage you to find healthy outlets for stress relief (i.e., exercise,
mindfulness practices, or spending quality time with loved ones).
Parental anxiety over early childhood education assessments is definitely a stressor - but it doesn’t have to
be. Understanding and applying the above tips can help you help your kiddo rock right through it! As your
child embarks on their educational journey - remember, your love and support are the most valuable assets
you can provide.

Inspiring MindsThoughts from the Admin...

Mrs. Megan Dowers, Early Childhood Education Director