In the midst of homework, exams, and extracurricular demands, joy can often feel like a luxury that children have no time for. However, reconnecting with sources of genuine fun and joy is not just nice—it’s a necessary antidote to the stress and cynicism of burnout.
This is the essence of the ‘Play-Rest-Learn’ model proposed by clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat. The “play” component is fundamentally about joy. Unstructured, intrinsically motivated play is one of the primary ways children experience delight and de-stress. Parents must fiercely protect this time.
For older students, reconnecting with joy might look different. It could involve encouraging them to dive back into a hobby they once loved but abandoned due to academic pressure. The psychologist’s suggestion of ‘Non-Academic Days’ provides the perfect opportunity for this kind of joyful rediscovery.
Parents can also inject more fun into family life. This could be through regular game nights, silly traditions, or simply finding humor in everyday moments. A family culture that values laughter and lightheartedness can be a powerful buffer against the seriousness of academic pressures.
By intentionally making space for joy, parents can help their children refill their emotional reserves. These moments of fun are not a distraction from the important work of school; they are the fuel that makes that work possible and sustainable over the long term.