Psychologist Yulia Vatutina explained why a child does not want to study
Most children do not like to study.
It is a great rarity when a child is drawn to lessons, goes to school with pleasure and reads textbooks until late at night.
Psychologist Yulia Vatutina explained why a child does not want to study.
So, the first thing you shouldn't do is panic. If your child doesn't want to study, then he or she is simply one of those 90% of children who study only because they were told to and because "that's how it should be."
There are many reasons why a child may not show interest in learning. Here are some possible explanations.
- Lack of motivation: The child may not see the value of education or understand the benefits that learning can bring.
Lack of motivation may be due to negative experiences at school or insufficient support from parents and teachers, as well as the fact that parents were unable to clearly explain the goals of the educational process. - Inappropriate curriculum: The child may feel that the learning material is not interesting or does not match his or her individual needs and abilities.
Some children prefer more hands-on learning or alternative forms of education. - Social problems. The child may have difficulty communicating with classmates or teachers, suffer from bullying or a negative attitude towards school as such. This can lead to a reluctance to study and a decrease in motivation.
- Physical or emotional problems. If a child experiences psychological problems, which are expressed in increased fatigue and constant stress, their interest in learning may decrease. Manifestations of depression, anxiety or problems with self-esteem negatively affect their desire to study.
- Lack of support. The child may not receive enough support from parents, teachers, or other adults whose opinions are important to him.
Lack of support and involvement in the educational process can lead to decreased motivation and interest in learning.
It is important to understand that each child is unique and the reasons for their unwillingness to study may be different. It is important to notice them in time and begin to act.
What to do if a child does not want to study
It is almost impossible to force a child to study. Pressure will only have a short-term effect, and in the long term it will only worsen the problem.
That's why psychologists recommend deeper approaches. Here are some options that might help.
- Establish open communication. Talk to your child about his feelings and motivation for studying. Listen carefully, find out if he has any problems or difficulties that may be the reason for his unwillingness to study.
- Create a suitable learning environment. Provide a quiet and comfortable place to study. Make sure your child has all the necessary materials and resources to successfully complete their schoolwork.
- Set a schedule (agreed upon by your child). Plan a specific time for studying and stick to it. Regularity will help your child get used to the learning process.
- Maintain motivation. Help your child understand how studying can be useful and meaningful for their future. Tell them what they can achieve with education. Set a positive agenda. Instead of the banal “if you study poorly, you’ll become a janitor,” show your child biographies of people who can inspire them.
- Vary your teaching methods. Use interactive methods, games, hands-on activities, or technology. Try to adapt the materials to your child’s interests and needs.
- Collaborate with teachers. Contact teachers or a school psychologist for advice. Share your concerns with them to find the best solution together.
- See a professional. If none of the above helps and your learning problems continue or worsen, consider seeing a psychologist or educational specialist for further evaluation and assistance.
Building the right relationship between your child and learning will take time and patience. Be prepared to experiment with different approaches and provide ongoing support.
