Hurried Child Syndrome, a term proposed by Dr. David Elkind, is characterized by a child's exposure to pressures and demands that exceed their natural developmental stages.

Children with this syndrome are often pushed to behave and perform like mini-adults. This rushing can manifest in various forms, such as accelerated academic programs, over-scheduling of extracurricular activities and early exposure to adult issues and media content leading to unrealistic expectations and pressure to mature quickly.

The constant drive to achieve and compete can leave little room for play, relaxation and natural growth. In fact, a recent study revealed that hurried children often suffer from anxiety and depression and feel unworthy when they fail to meet their parents' expectations.

The impacts aren't just mental; these children also face physical health issues. They often lack adequate sleep, have poor eating habits and don't get enough physical activity, which can lead to various health problems. Hurrying through childhood also impedes emotional growth, making it harder for them to manage their emotions and form healthy relationships.

To prevent this syndrome from turning into a plague, here are three ways to mitigate its effects.

1. Let Play Meet Purpose

Balancing structured activities with free play is critical for a child's overall well-being and development, as highlighted in research. Encouraging play helps children adapt to chronic stress and supports their cognitive, social, emotional and psychomotor development, laying a strong foundation for their future health. Therefore, play is not just a leisure activity but an essential part of childhood that significantly contributes to the following aspects of life:

• Cognitive development. Play helps children develop critical cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making and creativity. When children engage in imaginative play, they learn to think abstractly and explore different scenarios, enhancing their ability to understand complex concepts and ideas. Activities like building with blocks, drawing or playing pretend allow them to experiment and learn in a low-pressure environment, promoting curiosity and a love for learning.
• Social development. Play teaches children communication, collaboration and negotiation. Group activities like team sports and cooperative games help build friendships and teamwork skills, while solitary play fosters social skills through imaginative scenarios and imitating social interactions.
• Emotional development. Play provides children with an outlet to express their feelings and cope with emotions in a safe and supportive environment. It allows them to act out scenarios that might be causing them stress or anxiety, giving them a sense of control over their environment.

To help kids grow, parents should encourage unstructured, child-led play. Children should pick activities they enjoy and engage freely, boosting their independence, creativity and self-motivation. Provide simple toys, art supplies and safe outdoor spaces to inspire them. Most importantly, let them explore and discover on their own without intervening too much.

2. Keep Your Feet On The Ground

When parents set achievable goals based on their child's individual capabilities and interests, they help create a healthy developmental path that aligns with the child's unique strengths and limitations. Here are some ways to do this:

• Avoiding unrealistic standards. Setting unattainable expectations can cause stress and anxiety. Encouraging a growth mindset, where effort and perseverance are valued over perfection, helps children develop a healthy attitude towards challenges.
• Celebrating small achievements.Research indicates that recognizing and celebrating small achievements boosts morale and resilience, and instills a sense of positivity. Simple acknowledgments like verbal praise or a high-five reinforce their sense of accomplishment and encourage continued effort.
• Focusing on effort rather than outcome. This helps children understand that hard work and dedication are valuable, regardless of the result. This perspective shifts the emphasis from winning or achieving a specific grade to the process of learning and growing. When children see that their effort is valued, they are more likely to take on challenges, persist through difficulties and develop resilience.
• Encouraging self-reflection. Encouraging children to reflect on their goals and progress helps them set realistic and achievable targets. Regular discussions about their aspirations and steps to achieve them foster a sense of ownership, responsibility and a balanced approach to personal and academic growth.

3. Dot The I's And Cross The T's

Is your tendency towards overdrive burning you out as a parent? Take the Parental Burnout Assessment to receive a science-backed answer.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com,here, and on PsychologyToday.com, here.