As March and April begin, most public and private schools in Pakistan start announcing examination results. This is especially the time when results for primary-level students are declared.

At this point, an important and noteworthy situation also emerges, which is quite common in our society.

Many parents try to visit schools to meet teachers or principals and, in one way or another, attempt to secure a first, second, or third position for their child.

 Often, parents believe that if their child ranks among the top three, it will be a matter of pride for them. They can then present their child’s achievement as an example in front of family, relatives, and friends.

Sometimes, this mindset becomes so strong that parents overlook their child’s actual academic performance and begin to consider only position as true success. This behavior reflects a broader societal mindset.

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In our society, success is often linked solely with marks and positions, whereas the real purpose of education is not to secure ranks, but to gain knowledge, develop personality, and learn essential life skills.

If a child appears in exams with full effort and achieves results according to their ability, it is still a significant success—even if they do not secure the top position.

At times, parents try to pressure teachers to somehow include their child among the top positions. This practice is not only unethical but can also negatively impact the education system.

The role of teachers is to assess students’ performance honestly, not to alter results under pressure.

Parents should try to understand the true abilities of their children. Every child is different. Some excel in academics, while others shine in sports, arts, creative activities, or other fields. Expecting the same type of performance from every child can place unnecessary pressure on them.

When children are burdened with excessive expectations, negative effects begin to appear. Some children fall into mental stress, frustration, and feelings of inferiority.

They may start believing that if they fail to secure the top position, they are unsuccessful. However, the reality is that there are many different measures of success, and every child has their own pace and capability.

The role of responsible parents should be to appreciate their child’s effort and encourage them. If a child is weak in a subject, instead of scolding or comparing them with others, parents should provide guidance and support to help improve their performance.

Teachers and school administration also have an important role in this matter. They should try to make parents understand that the purpose of education is not just to achieve positions, but to ensure the overall development of a child’s personality.

If parents and teachers work together to understand and enhance children’s abilities, it will be far more beneficial for their future.

Therefore, a child’s success should not be limited to first, second, or third position. True success lies in gaining knowledge, recognizing one’s abilities, and becoming a good human being.

Parents should value their children’s effort and hard work instead of putting unnecessary pressure on them. When children are given the opportunity to grow according to their true potential, they can perform better not only in academics but also in other areas of life.