Q: I am mother of a 6 years old girl and an eleven years old boy. We live in a joint family with 4 cousins of my children. My son is very quiet and well mannered, but my daughter is the opposite. She is very good in studies, dance and art. She is excelling in school but the problem lies with her behaviour at home. She is always ready with answers no matter whether they are relevant or not and most of time I find her answers unsuitable for a child of her age. She spends most of her time with me, her cousions and their mother. Could you please suggest me something that will get her involved in something better than acting mischievious and listening to our talks. In the area where I live, there aren't any places where they take classes for extra curricular activities like dance and painting, which she can attend. Please tell me what to do.

A:Children learn by imitation, so it is not surprising that your daughter talks like you and her aunts. Try and get her to read childrens books. Spend some time when you are playing with her and doing activities that interest her. Get her to draw or paint, listen to good music (preferably music meant for young children) at home and move and dance to it. See if you can get one or two families in the same area to have some childrens activities together. The initiative should come from you.