'My father is behaving tough...'

I am 15 years old. I will be appearing for the SSC exams soon. I have been studying hard, but my father is after my life. As the date draws close, he wants me to cut off from the world

Dear Diana,
I am 15 years old. I will be appearing for the SSC exams soon. I have been studying hard, but my father is after my life. As the date draws close, he wants me to cut off from the world. If he sees me outside my room, he sends me packing. If he sees me watching TV, he flares up. I do not know what is going on in his mind. I cannot be studying every second of the day. I have told him that I am keep to take up science, so he wants me to get a high percentage to enable admission in a reputed college. How do I make him understand that I know my responsibilities and that I need to take breaks? He has been driving me up the wall by his ‘go and study’ act. Due to his behaviour, my mother is always on tenterhooks and makes sure that I do not step out of my room when dad is around. My father’s attitude is irritating me and affecting my concentration.
— Ritesh

Illustration/ Uday Mohite

Dear Ritesh,
It may be that when your father is around, he is taking up your case as he always sees you outside your room. You need to explain to him that you have been studying throughout the day and just taking some moments off. Getting irritated will do you no good and it will affect your concentration. It is better that you and your mother put him at ease. Pressure is building up as the date comes closer so your dad is snapping at you. But you need to tell him that there is no need for him to get hyper about your exams. He wants you to fare well, so instead of being after you, tell him to let you be — as you are working hard to secure a good result.

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