Parents! If you have seen the movie “Taare Zameen Par”, you probably know what’s it about. It is about Ishaan, a young student who struggles with mental health and learning challenges that go unnoticed by his parents. According to WHO, 20% of school students worldwide suffer from mental health issues and many more go unregistered.
Mental health issues are treatable and easily manageable if identified early on and here parents’ role is amplified. Parents spend the most time with their children, making them ideally the first to notice any changes in their child’s behaviour or development. However, their close proximity to the child’s environment can sometimes make it difficult to recognize these differences.
So, we are here to help you!
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Keep a lookout for the following warning signs in your child!
Ishaan is the protagonist of “Taare Zameen Par” movie who struggles with dyslexia and ADHD in his early childhood. Here are some of the symptoms that Ishaan showcases in the movie. Pay attention if your child also has them!
- Difficulty tying tie: Ishaan faces great difficulty in tying his tie, one of the signs of dyslexia. If you find your child having difficulty tying his/her ties, shoes, etc at an age where they should then it can be a warning sign.
- Problem while recognizing alphabets and numbers: Ishaan mistakes a letter for something else and writes the mirrored alphabets and letters, one of the signs of dyslexia. 10-15% of children in India suffer from dyslexia, if your child faces similar symptoms, it is better to seek professional help.
- Distraction: Ishaan struggles to concentrate; he often daydreams in classes and generally seems to be distracted. Distraction and difficulty in concentration can be signs of ADHD or ADD along with hyperactivity. Keep a close eye on your kid’s behaviour to know.
- Impulsiveness & disobedience: Ishaan’s actions are based on his impulsive behaviour. He showcased anger and disobedience towards his parents when felt cornered. Similarly, when a child feels overwhelmed or unable to express their feelings, they might resort to anger. In this case, instead of reverting with you need to give your child space to feel and communicate.
- The problem in solving basic Math sums: Ishaan finds it very difficult to make basic Math calculations due to his inability to process the calculation.
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Seek help when needed
Don’t hesitate to consult experts or school counsellors if your child shows similar symptoms. Early intervention can greatly help your child manage and even overcome their mental health challenges.
Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s life & success.