Pramila Soanes, mother of eight-year-old says,  "My son Dian never listens to me. He tells me that I am wrong as his teacher has taught him another method."

Children generally tend to take their teachers as role-models. Whatever their teachers say is sacrosanct for them.

In such cases, try and listen to your kid first; understand her perspective and then check with teacher. Try and adapt to the same style, so long as she learns it right.

Mental Blocks

At times, nothing may work. For instance, some kids just refuse to write. There's usually a reason for it and as Gauri Hariharan, a primary school teacher suggests, "Keep asking her questions and find out what happened at school."

Her dislike for writing may be because her teacher did not give her a gold star or criticised her. Once you know the reason, use it as a trump card and help her work on the problem by appreciating her work.

What if the Solutions Fail?

Kids imitate parents. So the best way to lead is by example. Dr. Aneeta Arora, de-stress consultant and a counsellor says, "When your child is about to study, you start reading too."

This will encourage her to read and learn as well. Do not switch on the television as this will distract him.

For children of an older age, you can explain the pros and cons of studies. Make it clear that if he fails to do his homework or study, then the teacher will question him in front of his classmates. Also, tell him how it will affect his grades.

Encourage him to go out and play instead of watching television at home after he gets back from school. Exercise will refresh him and help him concentrate better.

Tips for Moms

• Do not force her to study.
• Let her do something else for a while if need be.
• See where your child's interest lies and work on it.
• If you find her weak at a certain subject, then try and find creative ways to teach it to her.