Nowadays the biggest worry for parents is that their child is not interested in studies. Every parent wants their son or daughter to study well, get good marks and make a good future. But sometimes all this is not as easy as it is thought. When the child is not interested in studies, not only academics are weak but the environment of the house also gets disturbed. Daily fights, scolding, explaining and sometimes even beating become a part of the process. But despite all this, the child is not attracted towards studies. Parents get frustrated and do not understand what to do.
This article is based on this issue, where we will understand that when a child does not want to study, how to handle that situation without harming his mental health.
Every child is different – the same method cannot work on everyone
First of all, it is important to accept one thing that every child is different. Some like drawing, some like sports, some like music and some children are naturally academic. The problem begins when we start measuring every child on the same scale. If your child is not interested in studies, it does not mean that he does not have talent. It is possible that he is interested in some other thing where he can perform better. But the pressure of society, comparison of relatives and expectations of parents become so heavy that the child starts distancing himself from it. He always feels that only marks are wanted from him; no one cares about his mind or interest. This kind of pressure breaks his confidence. That’s why the first step should be to look at the child as an individual who has his own thoughts and preferences.
Don’t try to make the child understand, just make him understand
Many times parents try to make the child understand by just talking about their childhood experiences. “In our time we used to study for 6 hours”, “Our parents never tolerated this” – these dialogues have become irrelevant for the child in today’s times. Today’s kids are living in the era of technology, where their exposure, their environment and their stress level are different from the old generation. When you try to make your child understand from his point of view, then you start seeing the real reason why he is not interested in studies. Maybe he does not understand the subject, maybe his teacher is rude, or maybe he is a victim of bullying. Unless you feel his pain with empathy, it is difficult to bring his interest back. Conversation should not be from one side, but from both sides.
Make studies a fun experience, not a fear.
Often parents always talk only about marks and results. After every test, they ask, “How many marks did you get?”, “Why did he get so many?” and “You will not fail, right?” Due to this kind of pressure, studies become a burden. Unless studies are made interesting, the child will not enjoy it. That is why it is important that parents treat studies as an activity where there is a balance between fun and learning. You can explain a topic through cartoons, clarify concepts through games or make studies relevant by connecting it with real life examples. When the child sees that what he is studying is being used in real life, he will automatically start getting involved. Learning is a creative process, just memorizing the syllabus is not a part of it. If the parents themselves show interest in studies, then the child also gets inspired.
Analyze the routine and lifestyle of the child
Many times the reason for lack of interest in studies is not just emotional, but also lifestyle. If the child uses the phone till late night, does not sleep on time, eats too much junk food, or his daily routine is completely unorganized, then naturally his concentration will be low. In such a situation, he will not be able to concentrate on studies. Parents have to see whether the structure of his day is healthy or not. Does he have time for physical activity? Does he remain in front of the screen all the time? Does he have a fixed time for sleeping and waking up? All these things have a direct connection with the performance of the mind. When the body is healthy and the routine is balanced, then the mind is also focused. That is why it is important to gradually discipline the child’s daily routine – without coercion. Along with this, proper sleep, nutritious diet and physical activity must be ensured.
Become a good role model, not just an inspector
Parents often just go into monitoring mode. Watching daily, asking whether the child has studied or not, how much he has written, whether he has given the test or not – this kind of behavior makes the child feel judged. He thinks that he has to just perform, like a robot. In such a situation, he stops being emotionally close. Parents should not just monitor, but become a role model. If you yourself work with discipline, understand the value of time, read books or have a passion to learn something new, then the child gets inspired by seeing you. Children listen less and watch more. If you are always on the phone or watching TV and expect them to study, they will never accept it. Your behavior is their teacher. You should study with them, accompany them in their reading, answer their questions patiently – this creates the most effective learning environment.
Apart from academics, value talents and skills too
Many children are naturally artistic and creative. They are not interested in science, math or history, but in dance, music, photography, sports or technology. When parents consider only traditional education as the basis for a career, the self-worth of such children becomes low. They feel that their talent is of no use. You should explore the interests of your child. It is possible that his passion will become his career. In today’s time, there are many options for creativity and unique skills. If your child wants to create digital content, wants to learn coding, or is strong in painting – then support that path. When a child shows excellence in some work, he automatically gains confidence and then he starts performing better in academics as well.
It is not wrong to take professional guidance
Many parents feel that if their child is weak in studies, it is proof of their parenting failure. But this thinking is wrong. Every family goes through such phases. If your child is going through some psychological or learning issue, then taking help from an educational counselor or child psychologist is a smart decision. Experts can give customized solutions by understanding your child’s behavior, learning pattern and emotional stress. Counseling is not only for serious mental problems but also for regular parenting support. If the child is very rebellious or has gone through some trauma, then a neutral person is necessary to talk to him. When the professional intervention is timely, then even major problems are solved easily.
Conclusion – Love and Patience are the Real Solution
Finally, it is important to understand that every child has a unique story. There is no shortcut solution to every problem. When your child does not want to study, it is most important to understand it, help him and become his support system with love. When you learn to walk with him without comparison and without putting pressure, you can bring positive change in his life. If you support your child in his growth with a safe and loving environment, open conversation and patience, he will start getting motivated on his own. Studying is fruitful only when it is done from the heart, not forcibly. That is why do not run after marks only, try to win the heart of your child – that is the real success.