5 Simple Ways to Help Your Teen Excel—Without Sacrificing Their Mental Health

Helping Teens Succeed Without Burnout

Singapore’s education system is highly competitive, and while parents want their teens to excel, they also fear the impact of stress and burnout. Studies show that 70% of students experience school-related anxiety, leading to lack of motivation, poor focus, and even mental health issues.

So how can parents support their child’s success without pushing them too hard?

Ace Digital sat down with Gary Tong, a Certified Mental Toughness Coach, NLP Practitioner, and Psychology Expert with 15+ years of experience. As the author of Empowered Learning: Helping Your Teen Thrive in a Competitive World, Gary shares 5 game-changing strategies that help students thrive academically and emotionally.

1. Focus on Progress, Not Just Results

The Problem: Many parents fixate on grades, unintentionally making their child feel only as good as their report card.

The Fix: Shift focus to effort and progress. Research on Growth Mindset found that students praised for effort performed 30% better than those praised for intelligence.

"Instead of asking, ‘Why did you only get 75 marks?’ try ‘What did you learn from this?’” Gary suggests. This builds confidence and motivation.

2. Help Your Teen Find Their “Why”

The Problem: Nagging, bribing, and punishment don’t work. Teens who study only out of fear tend to lose motivation.

The Fix: Link their studies to their future goals or interests. A Singapore Institute of Mental Health study found that students with intrinsic motivation performed 20-40% better than those studying under pressure.

"If a teen sees how subjects connect to their dream career—be it medicine, business, or design—they naturally take ownership of learning," Gary explains.

3. Teach Stress-Management Techniques

The Problem: Stress is inevitable, but many students don’t know how to manage it.

The Fix: Teach these proven stress-busting techniques:

✅ Deep breathing (2 minutes) – Reduces anxiety instantly.

✅ The Pomodoro Technique – Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

✅ Mindfulness exercises – Lowers stress by 30% in students.

"The goal isn’t to eliminate stress, but to manage it in a way that keeps teens in the optimal performance zone," Gary explains.

4. Prioritize Sleep & Physical Health

The Problem: 60% of Singaporean students get less than 6 hours of sleep, even though teens need 8–10 hours for peak brain function. Lack of sleep lowers focus and memory by 40%.

The Fix:

✅ Set a regular sleep schedule (even during exam periods).

✅ Limit screen time before bed for better sleep quality.

✅ Encourage exercise, which boosts brain function by 15%.

"No amount of tuition can fix a sleep-deprived brain," Gary warns.

5. Create a Supportive Environment, Not a Pressure Cooker

The Problem: Teens often feel like they can’t talk to their parents about school struggles.

The Fix:

✅ Listen, don’t lecture – Let them express their struggles without fear of judgment.

✅ Celebrate small wins – Reinforce their effort, not just results.

✅ Be their ally – Show them they’re more than just their grades.

"When teens feel emotionally supported, they perform better—not just in school, but in life," Gary emphasizes.

Final Thoughts: Help Your Teen Succeed with Less Stress

Academic success and mental well-being can go hand in hand. By focusing on progress, motivation, stress management, sleep, and a supportive environment, parents can help their teens thrive—without unnecessary pressure.

Free Assessment With Gary Tong

For a free personal assessment and consultation with Gary Tong, visit: 👉   https://www.cruxialteentest.online/

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