Expectations of our children
Caroline Correira • March 1, 2021
I am always amazed at the fact that our children reach a certain age and then magically they are expected to be more organised, responsible and better prepared than they were the day before. My question is what happens in 24 hours that can possibly make this miraculous event occur? I have three teenage children and I can safely say that just because they reach 13 or 14, it does not change who they fundamentally are or their make-up, and yet as parents and teachers we expect them to be and act a certain way when they reach a certain age.
These expectations from us as parents and teachers can cause huge emotional trauma for our teenage children, who are not on the same wavelength as us, and cannot fathom how all of a sudden, they are expected to be and act in a certain way. How unfair to them that through our expectations, they are suddenly feeling like they are not good enough. I speak from personal experience when I say that expecting a child to change overnight owing to his/her age and societal norms places our children at an unfair disadvantage and they develop feelings that makes them question their self-worth. They are now hearing phrases like: you need to be more responsible, you are in Grade 7 now, you are in high school now, when are you going to act like a Grade 7/8, etc. just because they are a year older and in the next grade does not automatically mean that they will be any better prepared or organised or responsible than they were the year before.
We need to be more aware of the fact that our children are just that, children. Even though they are getting older and so much more is expected of them, they need to hear that who they are and what they are doing is okay. They need constant reassurance that there is still time for them to play pranks, ride their bicycles and have fun with their friends. They need to know that their best is good enough and that we are still there to help them navigate and make their way through the new grade. They need to know that it is okay to make mistakes, even when you are 13 or 14 or 19, and that making mistakes is a part of life and should be used as teaching moments and learning tools, so that they always feel safe and secure.
We should be reminding our children of this on a daily basis so that we fill their emotional buckets so full that when they are battered and bruised by the daily rigors of life and friendships, that they still believe in their own self-worth. Remember that your teenage children need you just as much, maybe even more than they did when they were toddlers or young children.
Twenty years of trusted education meets expanded opportunities, greater accessibility and future-ready learning from January 2027. Families across Hartbeespoort can look forward to an even stronger independent school offering as Pecanwood College becomes Pinnacle College Pecanwood from January 2027. The transition brings together two decades of local educational excellence with the academic strength, innovation and opportunities offered by the expanding Pinnacle Colleges network. Current and prospective families stand to benefit from a school that retains everything the community values while opening the door to even greater opportunities. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will preserve the school's caring culture, close relationships, boarding facilities, IEB curriculum, sporting tradition and vibrant co-curricular programme, while providing students access to a broader network recognised for academic excellence, future-focused learning and preparation for life beyond school. Pecanwood College has proudly served the Hartbeespoort community for 20 years, offering education from the early years through to Grade 12, including boarding. Dedicated teachers, a nurturing environment, strong IEB academic results and diverse sporting and cultural opportunities have established the school as a respected educational institution in the region. That solid foundation will now be enhanced through the wider Pinnacle Colleges network. Students and teachers will benefit from shared academic expertise, established operational excellence and opportunities to participate in broader academic, cultural and sporting initiatives across multiple campuses. Pinnacle Colleges equips students for tertiary education and successful careers through a balanced approach that combines academic excellence with innovation, career guidance, coding and robotics, technology-enabled learning and holistic personal development. Respect, responsibility and a strong sense of community remain central to every campus experience. Academic success already defines Pecanwood College. The Class of 2025 achieved an impressive 98.59% matric pass rate, a 94.36% Bachelor's Degree pass rate and an average of 1.9 distinctions per student. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will build on these achievements through strengthened academic systems, shared expertise and continued commitment to outstanding IEB education. The name Pinnacle College Pecanwood honours both the school's proud heritage and its exciting future. Twenty years of commitment by students, teachers, families and the wider community remain firmly embedded in the school's identity, while its new name reflects membership of one of South Africa's fastest-growing independent school groups dedicated to innovation, accessibility and student success. Hartbeespoort families can now enjoy the best of both worlds: a close-knit community lifestyle paired with access to a high-quality independent education close to home. Pinnacle College Pecanwood is well positioned to become the school of choice for families seeking exceptional academic opportunities, future-ready skills and an environment where every student can thrive.
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