Inspire, don’t pressure your children over education – Tourism Professor tells parents

By Solomon Nartey Tetteh

Professor of Tourism Management at the University of Johannesburg, Prof. Gabriel Eshun, has advised parents to inspire rather than pressure their children in their pursuit of academic success.

In Ghana and across Africa, the pressure on students to excel academically remains a major concern for education stakeholders.

Many families view formal education as the primary route to economic security, leading parents to demand top grades from their children.

Research has shown that excessive pressure often results in stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, mental health challenges among young learners.

A WHO Europe report finds that increasing school pressure and declining family support are contributing to worsening mental health among adolescents. Girls, in particular, report higher pressure and less emotional support in recent years.

Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM, Professor Eshun stressed that motivation and encouragement are far more effective than coercion when it comes to children’s learning.

“Parents are supposed to motivate and inspire their children to learn and achieve their grades on merit. Education is important, but it should not be presented as the ultimate measure of a child’s worth,” he said.

Professor Eshun noted that framing schooling as the only path to success places undue pressure on students and can have negative physical, emotional, and social consequences.

According to him, young people must understand that education is a tool to navigate life, not an end in itself.

“There are countless examples of people who may not have excelled academically but have still made it in life. We need to strike a balance, encouraging students to work hard while also protecting their well-being,” Professor Eshun explained.

He urged parents to adopt a supportive approach that fosters resilience, creativity, and confidence, instead of creating an environment where children see failure in school as the end of their future.