The following is an edited version of Nemani Delaibatiki’s ‘My Say’ aired on FBC’s 4 The Record last night.

It is that time of the year when discussions in family circles revolve around examination results and future education  plans.

Many parents genuinely want their children to do well in school and pass their exams.

Some over zealous parents go a step further and put pressure on their children to achieve academic excellence.

In some cases the exercise ends in tragic circumstances. We have had cases where some students tried to take their own lives, because they have fallen short of the expectation of their parents.

In others, the outcome is positive and everyone is happy.

It is absolutely fine to encourage children, to study and work hard to gain good grades. Some will achieve excellence, some will achieve an average pass and the remainder will fail.

We need to recognise that all children are different in their genetic makeup, gifts and talents. The exam results will reflect that. Not everyone will end up as a doctor, a nurse, a teacher or a scientist .

Parents must be careful not to set unrealistic targets for their children. They could push them to the brink.

Studies have shown that one of the fundamentals to achieving success is creating the ideal atmosphere at home that is conducive to learning.

Generally, children learn better when they are happy and content. It is essential that we provide them space to think for themselves and work out solutions or answers to problems, of course with parental guidance.

One of the main features of the modern education revolution is the training of children to think critically and analyse.

The days of parrot type teaching have long gone. The advent of modern technology has dramatically transformed the way we communicate. It has forced us to change the way we do things or we get left behind. There is talk of robots taking over the work of humans in work places. It’s happening in mechanical assembling plants around the world like car factories.

This will continue and it will not be too long before we see major changes. Advances in science and medicine allow people now to live longer than the average lifespan.

All these modern developments are founded by education which starts from kindergartens. That’s why the Government’s focus on early childhood education is a positive move.

Schools and families, teachers and parents must work together to create that space for children to grow with a critical and analytical mind.

When they grow up they should be able to choose for themselves the careers they like – not what their parents prefer.

Some parents have been guilty of dictating to their children the careers they should take.

We heard the Prime Minister say he joined the Navy because that’s what he wanted to do. He did not dream that one day he would enter politics and become Prime Minister. He loves it as he is able to serve the people and that’s his passion.

So to all parents out there please give the children space and the opportunity to grow and develop. Unnecessary pressure can impede their development, shatter their confidence and self esteem and slow their growth.