`Parentage is a very important profession; but no test of fitness for it is ever imposed in the interest of the children.” George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950).
What would Mr. Shaw think of today’s eleven plus?
`Parentage of an eleven plus child in a very important profession, but no test of fitness for it is ever imposed in the interest of the children.’
Simply adding the words `eleven plus child’ gives rise to a whole slew of options.
Parents have to strike a delicate balance between helping their child towards the examination and trying to make their child into someone different.
The eleven plus adventure should be enjoyable.
Praise, encouragement and approval will probably be more important than any censure.
The needs of parents may not be the same as those of their children.
Setting goals may help – but the goals need to be realistic.
Parents need to recognise that they have to lift the pressure off - if their child is becoming unhappy and is not enjoying the experience.
There is no test of fitness to be an eleven plus parent. The interests of the child are, however, paramount.
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