In society today, parents put an unrealistic amount of pressure on their kids. Whether it be school, sports or a social life, kids are expected to do it all. And it isn’t possible.

Kids are expected to get good grades in school. They’re expected to study hard and get the best grades they can, because they’ll need a scholarship in order to go to college. In addition to school, they’re expected to balance sports or a job. Some sports teams practice five nights a week for hours at a time, not to mention the fact they have multiple games to attend. Most part-time jobs require you to work several nights a week, usually 4+ hour shifts. Once they get done with practice or work, they have to deal with homework loaded upon them from all of those AP classes they were told to take, when in reality how many AP classes they take doesn’t matter.

Now I’m very lucky; I grew up in a household where my parents wanted me to be happy. They didn’t care when I wanted to quit doing sports my junior year and they didn’t mind that I didn’t have straight A’s. They wanted me to be happy, not perfect.

I know a lot of people who aren't that lucky. I’ve seen my friends go through life, terrified to tell their parents about one bad grade because they’ll yell at them like it’s the end of the world. I’ve seen others suffer through pain and injuries to stay in sports, not because they love the game their playing, but because their parents are pushing them too hard.

To all of those parents out there like this: You are ruining your child’s life.

Since 2007, the rate of suicide deaths among children between the ages of 10 and 14 has doubled. Kids are overwhelmed with all of this pressure to be perfect, to please their parents and to get into a good college. In reality, none of this matters.

What matters is how happy they are. It matters that they have good friends. It matters that they’re trying their hardest in school, even if that means less than a perfect grade. It matters that you’re encouraging your child in a positive way, instead of adding to the pressure they already feel in life.

Do yourself a favor. Be the person who helps your child, instead of hurting them more. Support them, be there for them and help them get through this stressful time in their life. School can be a hard period in life. Make sure your child gets through it.