Aava reflects on impact of parental attitudes towards education in Finland

Aava reflects on her parents’ attitude towards education, particularly when she brought home grades of nine. “They said they did well too, even with lower grades,” she recalls. Homework and tests were rarely discussed at home, and educational pursuits were not encouraged. In contrast, Aava noticed that her friends’ families showed a stronger focus on academic success.

She experienced low self-esteem stemming from her lack of motivation, believing school was just an obligation. “I didn’t put in the effort because I didn’t see any benefits,” Aava explains. She longed for an adult who would guide her on how to make progress in life.

Recent responses collected by Yle from the public reveal similar sentiments. Many shared experiences of parents dismissing education, with derogatory remarks about intelligence and grades. Comments ranged from trivializing high scores to placing immense pressure on children to excel academically, with praise reserved only for top marks.

Mari Käyhkö, a sociology lecturer at the University of Eastern Finland, emphasizes the significant impact of parental attitudes on children’s academic motivation. She notes that children learn their family’s values about education early on, which shapes their future academic decisions.

Käyhkö points out that a dismissive attitude may stem from parents feeling alienated from the academic world. Encountering different educational paths can lead to feelings of disconnection between parents and children. Aava has since channeled her past experiences into a different approach with her children, actively encouraging them to pursue their interests in education and engaging with them about their school days.