Lethargy

Dr Prameela Joji | 01-July-2014

Dr Prameela Joji

My seven-year-old son is studying in the 2nd standard. His school has reopened after the summer vacation, but he is now least interested in going to school and always makes excuses to avoid study/homework. I’m very much worried about his lack of interest in study. What shall I do? I’m waiting for your advice.

     Ananthy Mahadevan, Mumbai

“Miles and miles to go before I sleep…,” as parents we know this. But for a seven-year-old boy, life is colourful. He wants to sit at home, especially after a superb vacation. Just think about the wonderful summer vacation he had. No morning alarms, no rushing to the bus stop, no heavy bags on shoulders, no lengthy classes, no tuitions and no study time at all! Instead he was enjoying his time with parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins and friends. He could sleep till he chose to wake up; he could eat whenever and whatever he wanted. So the sudden transition from such a joyous vacation to tedious academics and demands of second grade, it’s natural for any child to have a bit of setback.

 Having to get back into the routine of school, and daily life in general can be a source of distress, disorientation and discomfort as he feels he just can’t settle back in. Indeed, for some people, post-vacation blues can result in a feeling that you no longer want to keep doing what you’re doing and all you can think about is just staying back home.

While it may be unpleasant, the post-vacation blues can be overcome with a little determination and a focus on accepting what the vacation gave you and how valuable your everyday life is. Please don’t panic and please don’t be punitive. Your boy will do well if he is given a bit of time to adapt. At the same time you should be consistent in  what you do i.e. ,allow him to relax after coming from school , keep regular time for reading, enquire if any of his best friends changed school , any particular subject he feels too complicated for him etc. Gradually   help him slide back into the school routine.

In a good two weeks time he should be alright.

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