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TODAY’S CHILD

spent. Once the child learns that they Help your child break down what went It can’t all be about work. Letting them take
can control a fear, that fear will start to well and what didn’t, and why. Help time out to do things they enjoy will help
dissipate. Children and teens can develop them to think through the challenges relieve the stress they feel.
fears at any stage of development, so don’t they faced and to define a plan for how
disregard them if your child discusses them to do things differently or how to manage Other tips
with you. those scenarios. Help them to focus on • If helping with homework is a source of
what they can control and manage. conflict between you and your child, consider
Fear of going to school can be an absolute hiring a student or having someone else
reality for a child. If school is a scary place Self-motivation skills assist. This will go a long way in removing
for your child, talk to them to understand Some children see little value in school. this stressor from the family. Keep tabs on
why and ask specific questions to guide They may not like the structure, routine your own feelings – if you are getting angry
them. If you have a clearer understanding and discipline – any number of things or frustrated by your child’s school marks,
of the root cause of the problem, you will could be influencing their levels of you may need to address your own issues
be better able to help and guide them. motivation to return to school. Some may and guard against transferring them to your
feel that they are incapable of improving child and increasing the pressure they are
Be mindful of the language you use. Instead their academic performance; others may already experiencing.
of saying “There’s nothing to be afraid of” have other priorities which take up their • Talk to the new teachers and pre-empt any
or “Don’t be silly”, rather say: “I know a lot focus. Here are a few helpful pointers: issues. This way, you can work as a team to
of kids worry about that” or “It does sound • Praise effort - For some children, help encourage your child and keep them
like you were scared.” grasping concepts can be very focused.
difficult. The same goes for knowledge • Remember: there must be a balance
Validate your child’s fears and take them application or studying. This is why between motivation and pressure.
seriously. Reassure the child and then move praise for the effort a child makes
on – don’t dwell on the issue. Remember can help build their confidence and a Children who feel they are being heard and
that fear is a powerful feeling and change sense of accomplishment. who are equipped to take an active role in
will take time, so be patient with your • Help your child to set goals - Slow decisions that affect them are more likely to
child. Offer gentle encouragement with and steady builds confidence and stay motivated. The greater the sense of self
words like “You’ve got this!” and “You are increases the likelihood of success. and purpose your child has, the greater their
so brave!” • Avoid focusing on any negative motivation levels will be.
aspects
If the previous year was a tough one, a • Encourage the child to ask for help May 2024 be a happy year for you and your
conversation about it will be very helpful. • Help them create balance family.

INTRAMUROS JANUARY 2024 | 23