Board exams are a critical time for students, often bringing significant stress and pressure not just to the individual taking the exams, but to the entire family. This case study explores how a younger sibling felt neglected and unsupported while her older brother was preparing for his board exams, and how counseling helped address and resolve these issues.

The Challenge

Unequal Attention and Support

A 13-year-old girl came to us feeling overlooked and unsupported at home. Her older brother was preparing for his board exams, and all the family’s attention and resources were focused on him. This left her feeling neglected and isolated. She described situations where her brother would ask her to do things like turn on the fan, even though he was perfectly capable, just because he was “busy studying.”

Lack of Parental Support

The younger child felt that her parents were not addressing her needs. When she sought help with her studies, her brother dismissed her, citing his need to concentrate on his exams. Her parents did not intervene or offer her the support she needed, leading to a sense of abandonment.

Academic Impact

This lack of support extended to her academic life. She felt uncomfortable asking questions in class and hesitated to seek help from her teachers, which negatively impacted her academic performance. Feeling isolated at home and at school, her confidence and grades began to suffer.

The Solution: Counseling and Parental Guidance

Initial Assessment

When she first approached us, it was clear that the girl was struggling with feelings of neglect and isolation. We recognized the need to address both her emotional well-being and the family dynamics that were contributing to her distress.

Addressing Parental Awareness

We communicated with her parents, highlighting the importance of giving equal attention and support to all their children, regardless of their current academic pressures. We explained that neglecting one child in favor of another could have long-term negative consequences for both siblings.

Encouraging Self-Reliance and Open Communication

We also worked with the young girl to help her understand the importance of self-reliance. We encouraged her to communicate her needs more assertively and to seek help from teachers and friends when needed. This helped her gain confidence and feel more in control of her situation.

The Results

Improved Family Dynamics

The parents began to understand the importance of balancing their attention and support between both children. They started making more effort to assist their daughter with her studies and emotional needs. This change helped reduce feelings of neglect and boosted her morale.

Enhanced Academic Performance

With her parents’ newfound support and her own growing confidence, the girl began to engage more in her studies. She felt more comfortable asking questions and seeking help, which led to improved academic performance and a better understanding of her school subjects.

Emotional Well-Being

The counseling sessions helped the girl process her feelings of neglect and frustration. She learned coping strategies to deal with her emotions and found healthier ways to communicate her needs and feelings to her family.

This case study highlights the importance of balanced attention and support within a family, especially during stressful times like board exam preparation. Through counseling and open communication, the family was able to understand the importance of equitable attention, leading to improved emotional and academic outcomes for both children.

This case study underscores the significance of understanding and addressing the needs of all children in a household, particularly during high-stress periods such as board exams. Providing balanced support can help ensure the well-being and success of every family member.

Counsellor in Charge: Kruthika. S. Gadwal (Psychologist – The NewAge Therapist, Bengaluru)