R and R—the extra edge    069

Today’s children live in a hypercompetitive age. University degrees have become almost commonplace, so now in order to be impressive a long list of achievements and experiences, and not just academic, are necessary. Your child should aim to be at or close to the top of his or her school, and to be a prefect or to have some other leadership position. The purpose is to assist a successful transition to the course, program or employment position of first choice. And remember that all worthwhile graduate positions these days have at least 50 applicants competing. Your child must then get used to the idea of the need to live at the top.

So, you think more study is needed? Well, actually, no. Your child will do better with less study provided there is exercise and some sort of hobby or recreational activity such as playing a musical instrument, sailing or hiking. There is growing research evidence to support this.

At the end of each year newspapers and magazines typically have a feature on highly successful HSC students. Almost without exception these students maintain exercise and interests outside of study such as involvement in a sports team. Indeed it seems that this is essential. It’s certainly not a diversion or an escape from study—it can and should allow the student to enter a world of purposeful and even insightful activity. Students return to their studies refreshed and are able to perform even better.

And that’s the whole point. Year 11 and 12 students need to really plan so that they can set aside the time and pursue a regular interest. This is far more than what some students and perhaps their parents understand as the need to achieve a balance between study and personal time. All too often entertainment, with its limited focus, results in students returning to school work even more tired, cranky and despondent. You see that’s the test—a worthwhile break and an outside interest always has the opposite effect—it heals and raises aspirational levels, and gives a matching capacity for achievement.

The accomplishment of adequate rest, regular exercise and a sustainable inspirational activity takes planning and commitment so that what is put in place is appropriate for your son and daughter. Children will of course differ in their needs and what will work best for them. But you do have to get started on this sort of regime by the end of Year 10 as it needs to be a set of effective habits. Don’t wait until your child is in the senior school, and suffering all types of sniffles, coughs and fatigue, and has to take days off school. Your child deserves to be able to do his or her very best.

All content copyright—Mark Thackray—Australian Educational Services