Mind Over Matter | 8 Feb, 2019

1. I am 12 years old. I love to eat and I am always eating a lot daily. I am quite fat. I get teased in school every day for being obese. My mother is very annoyed with me for overeating and always scolds me. What to do? Please help me madam.

(Name withheld)

Answer: You need to listen to your mother. Eating too much is not good for your health. Do you engage in any physical exercise? You need to exercise regularly if you want to lose weight. Take up some outdoor sports. You can even take up swimming. Ask your mother to help. With regards to food, make sure you do not eat junk food, like burgers, pizza, cold drinks, ice cream, etc. Try and have fruits and vegetables with your food. You could ask your mother to take you to consult with a dietician who will give you a list of foods that you can and cannot eat. It would be helpful for you. All the best!

1. Dear Madam, I have two young children. My daughter is 13 years old and my son is 9 years old. They keep fighting all the time. Both of them perform well in their studies and other extracurricular activities. My daughter says that we love her brother more than her. Last few months, she has started throwing tantrums and keeps crying for small things. We are quite worried.

(Name withheld)

Answer: Spend some quality time alone with your daughter. Keep some time aside when you spend time together with both your two children. Further spend individual time with both of your children. This way neither will feel neglected. Give time when your daughter is studying or doing her personal work. This will make her feel cared for. Never make comparisons between your two children. This could be very harmful. Small amount of sibling rivalry is common and there is nothing unhealthy about it as long as there is healthy competition.

1. Dear Madam, I am writing to you with a problem. I feel sleepy all the time, I also feel very low. I do have problems at home but not so many. Can you help me out? Please do. I feel lonely.

(Name withheld)

Answer: Hi dear, am sorry to hear about your troubles. I wish you had sent me a few more details. It would have been easier then. All I can suggest to you at this moment is get a health check-up done at the earliest. We need to rule out the physical cause if any for your excessive sleep issue. Apart from that do come over for a counselling session so that we could sit and assess exactly where your problem area lies that is making you feel so low.

1. My 10 year old son is not interested to complete his homework. He keeps making excuses and tries to avoid it most times. He keeps watching cartoon in between. Scolding, hitting, nothing works. Please help. I am at my wits end.

(Name withheld)

Answer: As guardians it is very important that we provide a positive homework atmosphere for your child that is free of clutter and distractions, including television. Television is a big NO during study hours. Further, please show your child you are interested in his work. Re-explain assignments if necessary and check to see that homework is completed. Whenever he completes his homework successfully, praise him or give him a reward. A small token will do but it will keep him motivated. Though don't make a habit of giving a reward daily as that will take the novelty away. Don't constantly show your anxiety to him. Children tend to pick up their parents' mood. Please try this out and let me know.