The clinical neuropsychologist William Stixred gives parental advice in an interview in the Monitor on Psychology. He sees the fundamental responsibility of parents as helping their children to learn to run their own lives rather than solving their problems for them. In seeming contradiction of this responsibility, he advocates fewer activities, which would seem to give more opportunities for agency, and more rest. The reason for rest is to help children's developing brains be less vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Parental calm is an important contribution, he proposes. Research shows that calm, just like anxiety and stress, is contagious. Lastly, he suggests that that children be given a more realistic picture of potential success. They need to know that people who are not straight A students can become successful. Actually many successful adults have dropped out of school, never go to college, or have learning disabilities. Research has shown that where you go to college does not determine future income, work achievement, job satisfaction, and overall feelings of well-being and fulfillment. When all these points are understood, the stress on youngsters who perhaps feel that they are falling short can be reduced. It can really help them to know that there are many roads to a rewarding life and frenetic activity and achievement aren't necessary.
Reference
Martin, S. (2018) 4 questions for William Stixred. Monitor on Psychology, 49(8), 25-26.