As parents, it is first important to understand the nature of your child’s problem. It is then that you can help overcome these issues. All children are active, but few are extraordinarily so and hence are considered hyperactive. They may sleep only a few hours at a time and when away they are usually constantly in motion, darting  from one activity to another. One way to curb his behavioural problems would be to channelise this excessive energy into constructive activities. The construction of a daily routine can help him utilise his time most effectively. Figure out what time of the day your child is most focused and help him perform difficult activities during this time. Gain your child’s attention before giving directions and give one direction at a time.

By setting a time limit, goals can be achieved faster. Prioritising assignments can help organise and approach tasks in a better way. By breaking up a task into simple workable steps, you can help him with his understanding. Providing examples and giving feedback after the work is completed will keep your child motivated. Certain memory techniques can be used as study strategies like mnemonics, visualisation, oral rehearsal, numerous repetitions.

It is equally important to take time out for play and exercise, which releases endorphins helping the child feel good about him. Praise and encouragement help children to improve upon their performance. Increase the frequency of positive reinforcements, catch the child doing it right and let him know it. Allow opportunities for the child to show his strength while giving positive recognition. Good luck!   Jitendra Nagpal

It is quite common that as we grow older and wiser, we start paying attention to our thoughts and feelings and how they may be coming in the way of our progress and success. I must congratulate you that you have become aware of the negativity in yourself and want to bring about a positive change. Let me begin by reassuring you that all of us feel depressed and get feelings of self-doubt every once in a while. It is human nature. It will be hard to find a human being who remains positive under all situations and at all times.

The first thing that you can do is to analyse your situation a little bit more. Start by noting down the situations when you feel negative. Are these feelings happening most in the area of family, friends, studies etc? Next, what exactly is the negative thought? What people usually experience are thoughts like: “I cannot do anything right,” “I am a failure,” “I will be unsuccessful” etc? Now, take one of these thoughts and think it in a realistic manner. If you are worried you won’t be successful, think instead about more positive facts such as “I have come this far, haven’t I?” and “I am pursuing a BTech degree, that means I must have some capability”. Think of all the other strengths you have that goes into reinforcing your belief in yourself, such as: “I am a hard worker,” “I am aware of the problem and will try to fix it,” “I have a support system of friends and family that I can use”.  In addition to this, certain lifestyle changes can also help one feel more energetic and positive. Among these are regular and healthy eating, adequate sleep and some form of physical activity and exercise. Other pleasure-giving hobbies and relaxation methods such as yoga, listening to music, spending time with family and friends can also be helpful. --- Jitendra Nagpal

You seem to be facing difficulties falling under the category of obsessive compulsive symptoms which are characterised by both obsessions (recurrent or intrusive thoughts or images) and compulsive acts (ritualised behaviours that have to be done a certain way or a certain number of times).

The symptoms can either be part of another condition occurring in co-morbidity or can be diagnosed as a separate condition. These symptoms are characterised as a disorder if they interfere significantly with daily function or cause marked distress. The most common obsessions in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are fears of dirt, contamination, danger to self and others. The most common compulsions associates with them are cleaning, washing, ritualised checking and repeating. It is important to monitor your feelings after you don’t wash your hands, and in a diary, record such intrusive thoughts. Try not to focus on these intrusive thoughts as they will only make you engage in compelling ritualistic behaviours, indulging in which would reduce anxiety, but only for a brief period of time. Starting step by step by limiting hand washing every day can help. If you wash your hands 20 times in two hours, then try to bring it down to 10 in two hours in the first week, five in the second and so on. Friends and family can help you follow this regimen by giving you daily feedback.

If your problem still persists after you have tried the steps suggested above, then it is recommended that you seek professional help from a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.  --- Jitendra Nagpal