As per the modern education system, low grades in school show low intelligence and high grades signify a high level of intelligence. The author says that succeeding or failing has nothing to do with intelligence, but has everything to do with habits that a child develops in life. Children brought up on a diet of conveniences and inconsistencies display habits of convenience than of discipline. Slothful habits pull down students while a disciplined student soars high. This entails fine-tuning of the study engine, using the lever of good habits.
Too many distractions distract students easily. While studying a cross-section of students, it was found that one student was a daydreamer, the second lacked total focus and the third participated in studies with single-minded intensity. The problems responsible for causing distractions were physical restlessness (voluntary and involuntary body movements), mental restlessness (pretending to listen while the mind is away), weak sleep drive and avoiding eye contact. Control of eye movements is necessary as it helps the child to control distractions.
Some parents complain that their children never listen or pay attention. It is due to lack of good communication within the family. Since listening is not taught formally, parents tend to speak crisply to children without giving an ear to their complaints or problems. Parents should find ways of communicating their message effectively and lovingly while listening attentively to what the children have to say.
Parents need to remember how to display proper behaviour and understanding regarding their children'sinability to cope with pressures of academics. Academic learning is important but should not be treated as the end all and be all of a child'slife.
The more you spend time with them the more you will understand the need for change in the choice made. You have to strike a right balance between your office and home, your goals and priorities and after reaching your target, be ready to help your pre-teen and teen to make adjustments in their routine and habits.
To let communication flow easily, both the parent and the child can inject laughter and humour which act as a tonic to ?keep the family in high spirits.?
Written by a student motivator and family counsellor, this book offers a set of keys which can open the doors to and unleash the power of the mind.
(Sterling Paperbacks, A-59 Okhla Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi-110020.)
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