It's difficult for children to do well in school when they feel too much pressure to succeed. Dr. Elkind advises parents to let children be children. In other words, parents should let children act like children. His research suggests that students are more likely to have academic success if their parents do not hurry them through their childhood. Dr. Elkind believes that play is an important part of childhood. It's important for children to play with others to reduce stress, develop creativity, and experience joy.