Our son is 15. We find it very difficult to get him to concentrate on studies. He is rebellious, unwilling to listen to any advice, and always overconfident. He is brilliant at extra-curricular activities — he is a top footballer in school, and has cleared four levels in music from Trinity College, London. He usually starts studying a day before the exams, doesn’t focus for more than 30 minutes on his books and secures 50% marks. At present, he is in the class IX and will be appearing for the ICSE exams soon. We need your advice on how we can help him concentrate on studies.
You say he does not concentrate for more than 30 minutes on his studies. Is this only with his books or also with stuff that he enjoys doing? If he has a general concentration problem even with music or sports, perhaps you should see a doctor who may be able to help you on that count. But from what you write, I think it is only the school work that does not hold his attention.
Fun stuff: The link between studies and non-academic pursuits is often not apparent to children. JUPITERIMAGES, INDIA
Your question echoes what many parents face: having a talented child with plenty of potential in “non-formal” areas and little or no interest in what the “system” demands! Your son sounds particularly gifted, no doubt. And today, youngsters like him have a whole universe of options open to them. This is something you should feel assured about.
Having said that, you are right in wanting him to work on his academics in a more serious and committed way. It is difficult for children like him to make the connection between a sound academic record and his own pursuits. How does one get the child to not reject and neglect studies outright?
We, as parents, teachers, counsellors, guides and friends of these youngsters, will have to make that connection for them. You could perhaps even have the school bring up this subject for all the kids — have a counsellor or any appropriate guest speaker talk to them about the application of academics to their dreams and goals, be it sports, the fine arts, even DJing, or any field under the sun.
The way things are set up today, many youngsters just do not see how what they study has any bearing on their interests. A 15-year-old only knows what he enjoys and what he simply doesn’t enjoy. However, if you (or the school speaker) can find ways to make the connection between the “sixers” and the “net practice”, you will have gently pushed him to sit up and accept the academic slog a little better. Without lecturing him, you could perhaps get him to understand how a good academic record will open precisely the avenues that he is so keen on. It will ensure more choices — admissions into better institutes, possibilities of scholarships, be it in music or sports.