Professor Shares Insights on Raising Kids Amidst Student Perfectionism

Ann Arbor: A professor at the University of Michigan has been teaching writing for over ten years. She’s noticed that many of her students struggle with perfectionism and often have a hard time expressing who they are. This has led her to rethink how she raises her daughter, aiming to help her develop a strong sense of self.

In her classes, she encourages original writing, but students often cling to formulas they learned in high school. They seem more focused on grades than on their own thoughts. After class, they bombard her with questions about what she wants them to write, showing their fear of failure.

One student even approached her, convinced he had figured out the secret to success in her class. He thought she wanted a “pioneering idea,” but she believes true creativity comes from within, not from trying to guess what a professor wants.

Research shows that perfectionism is on the rise among young people, often stemming from overbearing parenting. Many parents are so focused on avoiding being helicopter parents that they end up doing just that. They seek help for everything, from picky eating to allergies, which fuels a culture of perfectionism.

The professor is trying to model imperfection for her daughter. She’s stopped stressing over her own mistakes and is focusing on her growth. By showing her daughter that it’s okay to be imperfect, she hopes to instill a sense of independence and self-acceptance.