Experts say kids are facing higher expectations in ultra-competitive society

By Staff Writer

Therapists are concerned that mental and emotional disorders in children are on the rise, a recent article reports.

According to LaCrosseTribune.com, several experts in the mental health field believe young children are dealing with higher expectations, which causes more stress. A professor from a Wisconsin-based college said that adults are conforming to an ultra-competitive culture, which puts more pressure on adolescents who are still developing emotionally.

"If parents would do one thing at a time - maybe music or some physical activity thing - but there is no stopping for some people," the professor told the news provider. "And instead of picking one or two things, they're picking 10 things at age 4 or 5."

One student therapist recommends that kids have more freedom to choose activities that make them happy, instead of following recommendations imposed on them by parents or teachers. The therapist said that traveling can be beneficial for teenagers who are trying to discover self-identity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pressure to fit in socially, perform academically and behave responsibly can lead to suicidal thoughts in some teenagers.