Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Perfectionism in high-achieving kids linked to anxiety and depression
A report on CNBC says that kids who are really good at school and other activities might feel too much pressure to be perfect.
This can make them feel very worried or sad.
An expert says parents should help their kids understand that they are valuable not just for their grades or achievements.
One way to do this is by having kids help others, like assisting a neighbor or doing chores at home.
This helps kids feel good about themselves and understand that helping others is important.
The expert also suggests that parents should explain why they help others so that kids can learn from these examples.
Perfectionism in high-achieving kids is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Parents should help kids anchor their efforts in something beyond themselves to protect them from this narrow view of success.
Acts of service, such as helping a neighbor or volunteering, can strengthen a child's sense of belonging and agency.
Involving kids in daily chores and thanking them for 'being a helper' increases their willingness to contribute.
Parents should make the 'invisible task of caring' visible by explaining the 'why' behind their generous actions.
- Who
- High-achieving kids and their parents
- What
- Perfectionism linked to higher anxiety and depression
- When
- Current trend
- Where
- General, but highlighted in a CNBC report
- Why
- Parents and societal pressure for achievement
- Issue
- Perfectionism in high-achieving kids
- Linked to
- Higher rates of anxiety and depression
- Source
- CNBC report citing growing research
- Expert Suggestion
- Parents should help kids anchor efforts beyond themselves
- Example Activity
- Helping elderly neighbour with lawn work
- Psychological Benefit
- Helper's high and sense of agency
- Parenting Strategy
- Regular acts of service and volunteering
- Study Finding
- Thanking kids for 'being a helper' increases willingness to contribute