In the fast-paced world of education, achieving a healthy school/life balance is crucial for the well-being and future success of students. Recent research from Connections Academy by Pearson underscores this importance, revealing that teens with a balance between their academic responsibilities and personal lives are more confident about their future career aspirations.
Why it’s vital for children to maintain a healthy balance
According to our study, students with a strong school/life balance often have a clearer understanding of their future aspirations, with 76% knowing what career they want to pursue. However, less than half of the surveyed students feel they have an excellent or good school/life balance (45%). This disconnect is even more pronounced when comparing student and parent perceptions, with nearly double the number of parents believing their children have a good balance (80%).
Dr. Lorna Bryant, Director of Career Solutions in Pearson’s Virtual Learning division, emphasises the significance of this balance. “Just as working professionals value work/life balance for personal fulfillment, it's encouraging to see that students are also realizing the importance of balancing school activities with their personal lives from an early age,” she says.
Consequences of overwork
The consequences of an imbalanced school/life dynamic can be severe. Overworked students often experience burnout, stress, and a decline in mental health. This can impact academic performance and hinder their ability to plan for future careers. The research found that more than a fourth (29%) of students with poor school/life balance feel it negatively impacts their career planning.
How parents and teachers can help
Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in helping students achieve a healthy school/life balance. They can help children foster time management and organisational skills. Encouraging students to prioritise tasks, create schedules, and take breaks when needed can significantly reduce stress and improve productivity.
Pearson's Casey Welch appears on NBC News Now
Casey Welch, VP of Career at Pearson Virtual Schools, recently appeared on NBC News Now to highlight three crucial areas where parents can support their children: direction, confidence, and connection. “First off, with direction, it’s helping them with exploration. Helping them explore what they like to do. Then, helping them to gain the skills. Those skills are what give them the confidence to pursue those careers. Last, are the connections. That’s how a lot of us got the opportunities to be where we are today, so it’s never too early to build those connections,” he notes.
Welch also emphasised the importance of early career exploration. “The good news is children are thinking about it earlier. The last thing we want them to do is career exploration at the most expensive point in their life, which is college,” he explains. By starting early, students can alleviate the pressures and anxieties associated with career planning.
Teachers can incorporate real-world experiences into the curriculum. Connection Academy’s partnerships with organizations like the Future Business Leaders of America and HOSA-Future Health Professionals provide students with opportunities to gain industry-recognized micro-credentials and college credits.
Wrapping it up
Achieving a healthy school/life balance is essential for students’ overall well-being and future success. Connection Academy’s research highlights the importance of this balance and the role that parents and teachers play in supporting students. By fostering time management skills, encouraging breaks, and providing opportunities for career exploration, we can help students navigate their academic responsibilities while maintaining their personal well-being.
As Dr. Bryant puts it, “Students should lean into activities they enjoy but also those that test and challenge them and offer opportunities for skill development.” With the right support, students can confidently pursue their aspirations and thrive both in school and in their future careers.
This research was recently highlighted by Forbes.