Wellbeing is one key to school success

Welcome back to a new school year! As we dive into the routine of early mornings, homework, and extracurricular activities, I want to share some reflections and insights that might resonate with you as parents. While catching up on back-to-school preparations, I stumbled upon an interesting perspective that challenges the conventional wisdom about the relationship between academic success and well-being.
 

The Back-to-School Rush

Like many of you, I enjoyed a relaxing summer break. However, the leisurely pace left me a bit behind in my usual back-to-school preparations. It was a departure from my typically organized approach, but the rejuvenating break has left me energized to work with your beautiful children in 2024.
 

Well-Being and Academic Success: A Complex Relationship

In my quest to explore factors contributing to school success, I encountered articles discussing success primarily in terms of academic results. However, my perspective, as a psychologist, sees success as a broader concept encompassing well-being and adjustment to the school environment.

Surprisingly, I found an article suggesting that well-being and academic achievement are at odds. According to Gabriel Heller Sahlgren, prioritizing one could hinder the other. This notion felt contradictory to my belief, prompting further investigation.

Debunking the Myth

Tanya Clark's 2020 article provided a more nuanced perspective. It disputed the idea of an inherent trade-off between well-being and academic success. Clark's research indicated that fostering well-being can positively impact later academic achievements.

Well-Being Defined

Before delving further, let's clarify well-being. It involves the presence of positive emotions and feelings, outweighing negative emotions. It encompasses happiness, positivity, confidence, and enjoyment, with the goal of minimizing stress, anxiety, fear, and low mood.
 

Play-Based Approaches: A Key to Well-Being

The research highlighted the significance of play-based approaches in schools, fostering a positive well-being in students. Playfulness in lessons, extending even into high school, was shown to contribute to increased feelings of well-being.
 

Well-Being Trends: A Global Concern

Diana Cardenas's 2022 article raised concerns about declining well-being among children globally. Factors such as climate change, political landscapes, and economic uncertainties were identified as potential contributors to this trend.
 

The Link Between Well-Being and Academic Performance

Contrary to the belief that well-being and academic success are mutually exclusive, a study cited by Cardenas demonstrated a positive correlation. Higher well-being was associated with improved NAPLAN results seven to eight months later, particularly in numeracy. 

Parental Role in Fostering Well-Being

While many studies focus on what schools can do, it's essential for parents to play a role in building their children's well-being. An ideal school environment, characterized by positive social climates and a focus on emotional development, contributes significantly. 

Individual Factors: Mood, Life Satisfaction, and Self-Efficacy

As parents, we can impact individual factors influencing well-being. Monitoring changes in our children's mood, promoting life satisfaction through positive experiences, and fostering self-efficacy through a  growth mindset can contribute to their overall well-being. 

A Call to Action

In conclusion, the belief that academic success and well-being are at odds is challenged by recent research. Focusing on well-being not only enhances the overall school experience but also positively influences academic outcomes. As we navigate the challenges of the new school year, let's prioritize our children's well-being, recognizing its role in shaping their success.

I wish each family a smooth and successful start to the school year, filled with joy, positive experiences, and meaningful growth.