WHAT IS ‘HURRIED CHILD SYNDROME’ AND WHY PARENTS SHOULD KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

“Hurried child syndrome” is a phenomenon that was coined by the child psychologist David Elkind, PhD, in the 1980s. The term refers to when children experience excessive stress and pressure due to an over-scheduled lifestyle and high expectations from parents, educators, and society. Children are seen as and often “become” mini-adults, growing up prematurely, prioritizing achievement and productivity over well-being and simply having fun. Parents need to learn the warning signs so that they can pinpoint if their child is suffering from “hurried child syndrome.” “Businessman child” in suit with a computer. FREEPIK.COM Research shows that hurried child syndrome can lead to significant negative outcomes including depression, anxiety, and poor academic performance. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist based in New York City and director of Comprehend the Mind, refers to this issue as an “epidemic” in a recent interview with Parents.com. Dr. Hafeez notes that children in today’s society are pushed to meet unrealistic demands across various aspects of their lives such as academics, sports, and social interactions. “Children are pushed to grow up too soon, taking on the worries, responsibilities, and stresses of adult life,” said Dr. Hafeez in an interview with Parents.com. Little boy stressed with notebook....