One of the most heartbreaking consequences of school burnout is watching a child’s natural curiosity and spark for learning fade, replaced by cynicism and exhaustion. A clinical psychologist offers insights for parents on how to protect and, if necessary, reignite that spark by shifting the focus from performance to genuine engagement.
The fading of this spark is often signaled by the “cynicism” and “withdrawal” that clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat identifies as key burnout symptoms. A child may start to see learning not as an adventure, but as a series of obligations to be endured. This is a sign that the pressure has overshadowed the purpose.
To reignite their interest, parents should create opportunities for learning that are disconnected from grades and evaluation. This could involve visiting a museum based on their interests, working on a fun science experiment at home, or reading a book together purely for pleasure. These activities remind them that learning can be joyful and intrinsically rewarding.
For younger children, protecting their time for unstructured, interest-led play is the most effective way to keep this spark alive. For older students, helping them connect their school subjects to their personal “values and priorities,” as Kanwat suggests, can make their academic work feel more meaningful and less like a chore.
Reigniting this spark requires patience and a gentle touch. It’s about reducing the pressure and reintroducing the elements of choice, curiosity, and play into their lives. By focusing on nurturing their child’s innate desire to learn, parents can help them recover from burnout and build a more positive, sustainable relationship with education.
