What to Do When Your Kid Is Not Interested in Studies and Also Behaves Badly?

I believe parent’s worst nightmare is when their kid is not interested in studying. Everyone knows how education is essential to survive in today’s society. Yet, when your kid lacks the interest to study, it’s normal that you’ll be worried about his future.

So, if you’ve tried pretty much everything –from creating a wonderful study space to allowing freedom to your kid as an incentive – and your kid still lacks concentration, I suggest the following approaches.

Make Comparisons

I’m well aware that some say that drawing parallels and making comparisons can affect a child’s self-esteem and eventually his educational achievement at school. When you think about it, it’s true that somehow it’s unfair to the kid and the worst thing that a parent could do or say to his own child. But, you should remember that not all kids are born the same. Researchers may have studied a group of kids and concluded that such an approach is not recommended, but it might work on other kids. In fact, I’d like to share how it worked for me and for all the children in my family.

By nature, every human being is competitive and adults are not the only ones who want to push boundaries to prove themselves capable of the impossible. Comparison is said to be toxic sometimes, but if used properly, this method can help your kid to set goals and motivate him to get better.

I’m not asking you to treat your neighbor’s kid better than yours; a line should be drawn when you are using this method. And, remember that you should not point out at your kid’s weaknesses and flaws but rather encourage him to overcome his shortcomings in his study.

Give Him the Harsh Truth

Sometimes, just like how grown-ups need a reality check to change their lives for the better, similarly, your kid needs to learn about the harsh realities of life.

First and foremost, this approach is only recommended to parents who know their kids by heart and know that their kids are strong enough to hear these brutal truths about life. This approach cannot be applied to all kids as some could even be traumatized by it. However, if you are confident that this method can raise your kid’s interest in studying, well, go ahead!

When you are a kid, especially a much pampered one, it’s difficult to think about studying and getting good grades because you are surrounded by all types of distractions and diversions. How can a kid study when he’s set on becoming the next Michael Jackson? How can your kid invest in science and Mathematics when his mind refuses to leave Disney World?

There are many positive approaches that can make your kid gain interest in studying, but when you’ve tried everything and your kid still refuses to stop chasing “rainbows and butterflies,” it’s time for some reality check!

Here are two brutal truths that can make your kid suddenly like studying:

You Can Never Go Back

How many times did you wake up wishing that you’d done things right a few years ago? How many times a day have you spent living in the past?

Parents know how it is to live with regrets, wallow in sorrows and wish for second chances to make things right again. And, obviously you don’t want your kid to go through the same thing as you. But you know what? The best way to prevent your kid from wishing for do-overs in his life is to open his eyes to this harsh reality of life.

Once you get your kid to understand the consequences of one failing in his studies and regretting about this in the future, I’m sure this will be a reason enough to motivate him in his studies.

Time Does Not Wait for Anyone

Everyone gets the same 365 days, yet some people seem to succeed more than others during those days.

It’s important to make your kid realize the importance of time. Try to get your kid to understand that today he’s 12 years old, in a few years, he’ll be 20, then 30 and then 40 and so on. What he will become in 20 or 30 years after will depend on what he does today.