Why Do I Have to Go to School?

In Quebec, school is mandatory until age 16 or until a student obtains their Secondary V diploma. Its purpose is to teach students and equip them with valuable social and professional skills. The curriculum is intended to broaden their knowledge and increase their autonomy.

Children with no clear goals for the future often struggle to see the point of school. To help them find meaning in their studies, point out the immediate benefits of going to school:

• Lasting friendships
• Opportunity to learn new things
• Sense of belonging
• Etc.

That said, for these benefits to really hit home, it’s important to use examples directly related to your child’s interests.

If your child has a hard time imagining their future and feels like school is an insurmountable obstacle, it’s best to take a slow and steady approach by setting specific, short-term goals. Here are a few examples:

• Get good grades
• Pass your year
• Get into your chosen study program

School is undoubtedly important on an individual level, but it’s also crucial to the well-being of society as a whole. The proven benefits of education are numerous:

• Reduces poverty
• Makes people healthier
• Fosters peace
• Promotes gender equality
• Etc.

Motivation is linked to self-worth. If a student lacks self-confidence, they’re more likely to lose interest in certain subjects or school in general. That’s why it’s so important to help your child develop strong self-esteem.