Intellectual capacity

Many parents complain that their child lags in studies and that he isn’t scoring good marks in exams, that he cannot concentrate on his studies and that he does not understand certain subjects well. Many times, children lack the intellectual capacity altogether or have a lesser Intelligence Quotient ( IQ). This may not reveal much, but it would be of help if one can counsel students and parents after understanding the child’s capacity and inclination for a specific career. There is a formula to find the IQ of children.

IQ = Mental Age     x 100

       _________

       Actual age

It enables us to find the IQ of any child.

Reasons for children lagging in studies: The child lacks intellectual capacity. Genetics plays a major role in this. Some children are hyperkinetic or over-active and hence lack concentration. In cases of dyslexia, the key mental functions like reading, writing and cognition do not work properly. Spelling mistakes, jumbled alphabets, mathematical errors, inability to memorize poems are some of the symptoms. Some children are unable to see or hear properly. At such times, it is important to consult a doctor ad get the necessary tests done. If children are epileptic or suffer from any such mental disorder, then there is stunted growth. Malnutrition, ailments, fatigue, depression, fear or mental ailments can also result in less intellectual capacity.

When the medium of instruction in school is beyond the comprehension of a child, then he will obviously face difficulty in understanding the subject. English is the universal medium of instruction today. However, if it is not the mother tongue, then there could be some problems. When parents don’t understand English well, they face difficulty in teaching the child. If the teaching in school is not good or laced with the fear of punishment, then it hampers the learning process of children. When teachers exhibit disinterest in teaching or simply ridicule the children, they lag behind in studies. When parents unreasonably compare their child with others, resort to hitting or is subject to ridicule by others, then it turns a recluse. At times, parents resort to unreasonable expectations from children, subjecting them to class after class of hobbies, tuitions, maths, extra class, etc.  which results in a total chaos in the child’s life.

Treatment- Counselling is the best method of treatment. When counselled after recognizing the capacity of the child and of the parents, it really works wonders. Children suffering from some ailments must be treated for the same with medicines. In cases such as dyslexia,  it is important to know the strengths of the child and drive him on that path. One can teach such children the basics of accounting combined with thorough training in some art or craft. Every person has his own strengths, it is essential to recognize it in time.