A chat with the Child Psychologist Disha Shah
Today, let us welcome Child Psychologist, Disha Shah, to share her expert opinions and views.
Disha Shah is a qualified Child Psychologist and a Special Educator. She has extensively worked for 10+ years with special needs children i.e.children with behavioural, emotional and academic concerns. Apart from children, she has also been guiding parents for their family well being.
Disha Shah is the founder of DVruddhi-Steps to Rise! in Mumbai providing various services like counselling, IQ testing, remediation, pediatric, orthopaedic disorders, behaviour therapy, play therapy, speech therapy, occupational and physiotherapy.
We are pleased to have her here with us today as we are celebrating Children’s Health Week. So here is the chat with Disha Shah.
Me: Hello doctor, what are the issues that children generally come to you for?
Disha: We see children from 2 years to 16 years (toddlers to teenagers). Some of the common issues are scholastic difficulties, behavioural problems like hitting, stubbornness, lack of concentration and emotional concerns like aggression, unable to express feelings and emotions, lack of confidence etc.
Me: We hear a lot about ADHD, especially in the younger kids. Is ADHD real?
Disha: Yes it is. ADHD is Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder. Nowadays children find it extremely difficult to focus on the given task and thus other areas like academics, relationships with parents, teachers and peers tend to get affected.
Me: Are parents really aware?
Disha: Parents are getting aware, since academics, behavioural and emotional concerns are intensifying.
Me: What about bullying in school?
Disha: Bullying is most commonly seen in schools and colleges. Though we are trying to curb it through various awareness programs still it prevails.
Me: Do you think seeing a child psychologist is still a taboo in our society?
Disha: Yes it is a taboo. But nowadays some of the parents read it up before approaching a psychologist and they are opening up to the idea.
Me: What do you think ails today’s children?
Disha: Today’s children have problems with academics, behavioural issues and emotional challenges. It is due to excessive use of gadgets, eating unhealthy food, no play/ exercises and less sleep.
Me: What do you think about the overprotective parenting?
Disha: I strongly believe that anything in excess is harmful to health. Therefore at times due to overprotection, kids refrain from discussing and expressing themselves at home. Due to this style of parenting, they have trouble handling peer pressure too.
Me: Your tips to parents.
Disha: Here are a few tips for parents:
- Simple exercises should be made part of your regime, thus children will observe and would love to follow it.
- Talk to your children about your day. This will encourage children to talk to you about their thoughts and feelings.
- Set up routine for the whole family and include family activities like playing games together, meal time etc minus gadgets.
- Be happy so that the happiness passes on to your kids too 🙂
Me: Thanks a lot, Disha.
What a wonderful insight into the little minds of children! From Disha’s words, we gather that a healthy lifestyle is the key to prevent many mental and physical problems. Ever heard of “Catch them young!”
Disha Shah practices in Borivali, Mumbai. You can reach her on her website www.dvruddhi.in.
