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How can I handle my daughter who is ignoring her studies?

Dr Renu Kishore
Reader, Department of Psychology,
Daulat Ram College,
Delhi University

Q: My daughter is 5 and a half years old. I started working 2 months ago and now I find a change in her. She has started ignoring her studies and she starts crying and says that I will make her study now. She does not study easily and the class teacher says that she is easily distracted. She always needs my help and never tries to write on her own. I want her to concentrate more because she will soon be be going to class 1. She has also started counter questioning me. I can handle her coolly but at times when I am tired on reaching home, I lose my temper. She says that I am always scolding and hitting her. Please help me. I don't want to hit her but she is always crying for small things.

A:It is important to understand that a 5 and 1/2 year old child is not ready physically or psychologically to be put under undue stress of studies. You are perhaps not able to devote sufficient time and energy to her because of your job and your own stress could be making her demands appear difficult. Physically hitting or scolding the child will not produce desirable results. Try to schedule exclusive time with her when you are back from work. Make it a pleasant period. Try to show more patience, love and encouragement.