# Increasing demands: every second child under pressure to perform
Carefree childhood? Game, fun, excitement? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! Even 6-year-olds feel an extraordinarily high pressure to perform. This is not only true at school, but refers to the demands of life as a whole. The pressure comes from all directions, but often from the parents' home itself. Children are watching very closely. And find out how their parents are doing. That translates to the child soul.

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> The Munich research institute Iconkids & Youth surveyed a total of 700 children. It was about the theme of "happy life". The responses of schoolchildren between six and 12 years were surprising. At least for the youngest respondents it would have been possible to assume that their interests are primarily related to playing, romping or climbing. But it came to a completely different picture, one that testifies to a maturity that seems almost surreal, considering how young the interviewees were.


### Health and parents
Almost by age, it sounds as if 93 percent of schoolchildren between the ages of six and 12 respond to the question of happiness, they want to stay healthy in the first place. Fears about health at these young ages are certainly indicative of a seriousness that is more likely in older people. Also at the top of the wish list was the need for parents to spend enough time for their offspring. In the age of growing job demands a pretty obvious wish, which unfortunately is often not a reality.


### A friend, a good friend ...
The tone of conversation among children has become significantly rougher, as the result of the study shows. Compared with a survey from 2006, there has been a very clear change. At that time, noticeably fewer children than today wished that "children are not so mean to each other." The resulting desire for more friendliness among children was expressed by three out of four children surveyed. Compared to the last survey, this is an alarming 50 percent increase. Not surprisingly in this context is the statement that a really good friend in life is very important and belongs to the feeling of happiness. After all, nine out of ten children said that. Bullying, competitive pressure and lack of prospects are already spreading in children and creating a climate that is often anything but friendly.


### The world in bright colors
Tristesse, pressure and rush let children sink into dream worlds. There they live in large houses, their parents drive expensive cars, nine out of ten children see a large garden and pets in their mind's eye. At the same time, they are well aware that it is a hard and rocky road to achieving these goals. This is also noticeable in school. Many children complain that they have little time left. At this point comes finally what you would have expected much earlier. Two-thirds of the children surveyed dream of having more time to play.


### Overprotective parents and loss of control
Almost all the children, when asked about their parents, almost unanimously answered that they have "best parents" they can imagine. But the first impression is deceptive. At the same time, more children want to grow up as fast as possible today. One reason for this seems to be parents, who leave little room for children to develop and try themselves out. It is obvious that two out of three children say they wish their parents trust them more.

The overprotective behavior of parents is offset by their loss of control. Around half of the children in Germany have to live with being beaten or slapped by their parents. Almost even worse, however, is an educational method in the room, the bad effect of which should have been known to anyone long ago. A quarter of parents punish the offspring in case of conflict by love withdrawal and non-compliance.


### The vicious circle of pressure
Achievement pressure in children generates inner pressure in the child's soul. The way in which this pressure is handled is quite different, but often the result is aggression in children. In the course of overburdening and helplessness, attempts are made to shift the "black guy" to others. Mostly not the parents, but other children or siblings. At this point, the vicious circle often closes. Many parents who physically discipline their children argue that the offspring has behaved too aggressively towards siblings. A questionable argument to react aggressively. For the child, of course, this logic is incomprehensible. It tries to pass the pressure down to a certain extent.


### Children have to play!
It sounds almost too simple. And it is certainly not a panacea to eliminate all everyday problems. But responsible parents must give their children enough opportunities to play. This includes staying outdoors, which includes romping, climbing, and certain risks that children are allowed to take. It is not so bad when a child crashes or misjudges climbing a tree or scaffolding. These things are important, they serve to learn new things. In addition, it has a positive effect on the entire emotional life of a person, if he moves sufficiently. This applies even more to children, because they naturally naturally have a certain urge to move. And finally, one must not forget one, especially not if you tend to be overprotective: you can not explain experiences and do not inherit. You have to make experiences.