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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1778 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 18, 2026

Anu Krishna is a mind coach and relationship expert.
The co-founder of Unfear Changemakers LLP, she has received her neuro linguistic programming training from National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA, and her energy work specialisation from the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila.
She is an executive member of the Indian Association of Adolescent Health.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2026Hindi
Relationship

My child is 13 years old and studies in school. Over the past few weeks, I have noticed small but clear changes constant smiling while looking at the phone, waiting eagerly for school in the morning, and repeatedly mentioning the same classmate during conversations. Homework now takes longer, marks have slightly dropped, and the class teacher has shared that my child seems distracted in class. When I gently try to ask what’s going on, my child becomes shy, avoids eye contact, and changes the topic, making me unsure how much to intervene. As a parent, I feel confused and worried, but I don’t want to scold or break my child’s trust.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Your child is not a child anymore and is growing up to notice people around and feel a certain interest in them. A natural phase where youngsters start to obsess more about themselves, their thoughts and act in ways that may seem strange to parents. Yes, school and studies may not be a focus, but that will change over time when they learn ti manage their social expectations and academics as well.
In the meantime, talk to your child; listen even if they are silent, be with them. Most often they need that love and reassurance that their parents love them unconditionally and are on their side as they navigate the adolescence phase...just be with your child :)

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Asked by Anonymous - Jan 13, 2023Hindi
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Dear Pooja, my husband and I share a very friendly relationship. When we have disagreements, we often tend to forget that our child is around. In the past few months, we have been arguing a lot and this seems to have taken a hit on our son. He is behaving strangely at school. He has got into trouble with other kids in his class and is often caught scribbling at his desk. He gets angry and throws tantrums in public. When we tried talking to him, he seemed normal but he did mention to the counsellor that even my mom and dad fight when they are angry. Since then we have mellowed down a bit. But how do we address this to our child?
Ans: Hi there! As adults, our arguments in a marriage or relationship are inevitable. But with kids around, we need to be more cognisant of the fact that kids get influenced very quickly. Since their emotional spectrums are being developed when they experience arguments or fights, they begin to believe that is normal , but since they are unable to process the frustration that arises , they tend to take it out in their own behaviour with their peers and in their social settings. The best way to address this with the child is through a counsellor or a therapist. As parents who are arguing or fighting, you are the trigger or their anger and instability and the trust factor or the feeling of you being the safe space for them has been compromised. Have your child consult a professional coach or counsellor who will ensure the child gets a safe space to express and will help re build the bridge between you and your child with their expertise of handling the child's psychology and helping your son process his feelings.

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My five-year-old child has just started going to school a month ago. She has never been out without her parents. This is her first time outside in a big set up with complete strangers. Initially, she cried a lot and we tried leaving her at school first and then staying with her there for some time. But the school authorities took things in their hands a couple of days ago. My child started sitting in the class and stopped crying, and according to them 'she is fine now'. But she became very quiet after coming back. Her usual playfulness was missing. She was not speaking much and was mostly nodding her head in response when asked anything. Even the things she is usually excited by were not interesting her. She went out to play but came shortly saying 'I am tired'. I took her out and after very long time she started talking normally. I spoke to her teachers and they said we were a bit strict with her today as it was needed. They're saying we should send her to school and this behaviour would be over within a week or so. But my wife and I are very worried that her childhood is being lost in this exercise. What should we do?
Ans: It is trying as a parent to see your child grow and develop in so many ways. It takes a village to bring up a child. Parenting is an art and you learn on the job. Averagely schools build discipline, consistency and hardwork. Parents build social connectedness, and support a child to see the real world. Trust professionals and be there as parents to hug and be hearing ears. But you are a team with the school faculty so you could reach out and connect with them. Hear their views, state yours views positively, and work towards the betterment of your child, trust processes. Children are precious and entry into the real world is tough for any child away from the cocoon of home. You both are her trusted adults, support the teacher to be her trusted adult too. Positive words fun and play are wonderful additions in a child’s life. Revert back with your way forward.

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Asked by Anonymous - Jan 23, 2024Hindi
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Hello Madam, My daughter is 12 yr old and is in class 7th. She is not at all interested in studies. She is also not interested in making new friends. She is always busy on playing games on mobile. Studies just one week prior to exams. Her behavior is also becoming rude day by day. Kindly suggest.
Ans: Hello!!
The addiction to mobile after COVID is a menace every parent is facing. The good part is she is aware about her exams and studies at least one week before her exams.

The rude behaviour, lack of focus on studies is all stemming from the mobile games. They are highly addictive and the thrill they give is beyond imagination. Slowly but surely you have to take away the mobile from her, that's the only way to help her look for other sources to keep her busy .Friends, new skills and studies will get her attention only when the mobile is away.

Allocate time for food, sleep, studies, play time and also mobile time( can't just take away the mobile, has to be weaned away from it gradually), in a day. Set a timer for the mobile usage, she has to return the mobile as soon as the timer bell rings.

Pls remember you are the adult here, she is just a child. Guide her, lead her towards better and interesting things to do. You all as a family have to stop sitting with the mobile, start reading books ,play board games , learn a new skill, sing songs, cook together, bake together, you make everything at home an interesting activity, joyful activity, why will a child sit on the mobile?
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I am writing to express my concerns about my daughter, who is 10 years old. Over the past six months, she has been experiencing difficulties at school due to bullying from one of her classmates. This classmate has been isolating her from her other friends and has been making her feel uncomfortable. Consequently, her grades have started to decline, and she has been expressing a reluctance to attend school. My daughter has confided in me about this issue, and she is desperate to distance herself from this classmate. However, she is feeling scared and lacks the confidence to do so. Additionally, I have observed changes in her behavior at home. She has become more irritable, moody, and adamant. I believe this may be due to feelings of being neglected in comparison to her younger brother, who is three years old. While she loves her brother dearly, she sometimes feels that I give him more attention due to his age. As a parent, I am trying my best to support and reassure her, but I feel that I may not be providing enough help. I am seeking your guidance and assistance in addressing these issues and helping my daughter navigate through this challenging time.
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Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11091 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 31, 2026

Money
I am Snehansu Ranjan Roy. I am holding one Motilal oswal midcap mutual fund for more than One year now. Initially it was going well in 2024-25. By by end of 2025 the fund was loosing steam and now has lost almost 15% from its peak. Now I understand that due to low return in IT stocks in their port folio the fund is underperforming. I would like your advice as to hold on for some more time now or switch gradually from this fund to some Multi asset fund which are giving better returns in todays market, since I was thing of starting SwP from the fund since it is more than one year now. Thanking you, Snehansu Ranjan Roy.
Ans: You have taken a very thoughtful step by reviewing your mutual fund performance after one year and also thinking about starting SWP. This shows good financial awareness and discipline. Many investors react emotionally during mid-cap corrections, but you are analysing calmly. That is a strong positive sign.

Now let us evaluate your situation properly before deciding whether to hold or switch.

» Understanding why your midcap fund is correcting

– Midcap funds normally move faster up and also faster down compared to large cap funds
– A 15% fall from peak is not unusual in midcap category
– Underperformance due to sector exposure like IT is usually temporary, not permanent
– Fund performance should be judged across one full market cycle (minimum 3–5 years)

So one year is too short a time to judge a midcap strategy.

Many midcap funds corrected during late 2025 because valuations became high earlier. This correction is part of the cycle.

» Whether starting SWP from a midcap fund is suitable now

This is a very important point.

SWP works best when:

– fund volatility is low
– returns are stable
– downside risk is limited

Midcap funds do not match these conditions.

If SWP starts from a volatile fund:

– units get redeemed during market fall
– long-term growth reduces
– capital erosion risk increases

So starting SWP from a midcap fund is generally not ideal.

» Whether shifting gradually to a multi asset fund makes sense

Your thinking here is practical and mature.

Multi asset funds invest across:

– equity
– debt
– gold and sometimes other assets

Because of this:

– volatility reduces
– downside risk becomes lower
– SWP sustainability improves
– emotional comfort increases

This category is suitable especially when investor wants income stability along with moderate growth.

So your idea of gradual switching is sensible.

» How to switch in a safer way

Instead of switching full amount immediately:

– shift gradually in 4 to 6 stages
– spread switching across few months
– continue holding some portion in midcap for growth
– move SWP portion into multi asset category

This keeps balance between growth and stability.

» Tax impact before switching

Since your holding period crossed one year:

– gains become long term capital gains
– tax applies only if gains exceed Rs 1.25 lakh in a financial year
– LTCG tax rate is 12.5% beyond exemption limit

So gradual switching helps manage tax efficiently.

» A balanced strategy suitable for your stage

Considering your approach and your earlier planning style shared in previous discussions:

– keep midcap allocation for long-term growth
– move SWP portion into multi asset category
– maintain some exposure to flexi-cap category for stability plus growth
– avoid withdrawing aggressively during market correction phase

This creates both income comfort and capital protection.

» When you should continue holding the midcap fund

Continue holding if:

– investment horizon is more than 3 years
– fund management quality remains consistent
– correction is sector-specific not structural
– portfolio still aligned with your risk level

Selling only because of short-term underperformance is usually not beneficial.

» Finally

Your thinking about risk reduction before starting SWP is correct and timely. Instead of exiting the midcap fund completely, a partial and gradual shift towards a multi asset category is a more balanced and practical solution. This helps you protect capital, support SWP stability, and still keep long-term growth opportunity alive.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11091 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 31, 2026

Money
I am 70 yrs old. No financial commitment right now. Retired from Bank 10 yrs ago. I am expecting around 1.00 cr from immovable property sale. Please suggest, where I can invest.
Ans: You are in a comfortable and strong position at age 70. Having no financial commitments and receiving about Rs 1 crore from property sale gives you a valuable opportunity to create stable income for life and protect capital for future medical needs and family support. This stage requires capital protection first, income second, growth third.

Below is a structured approach suitable for your age and situation.

» First Priority – Keep Emergency Medical Reserve Separate

Before investing the full amount:

– Keep about Rs 10–15 lakh in safe and liquid options
– This amount should be available immediately for health needs
– It should not be linked to market movement
– This gives peace of mind and avoids forced withdrawals later

At age 70, this step is very important.

» Second Priority – Monthly Income Planning

Your investment should generate regular income without risk to capital stability.

Suggested approach:

– Allocate around 40% into conservative mutual funds suitable for income withdrawal
– Start Systematic Withdrawal Plan (monthly income)
– Withdraw only moderate amount so capital lasts longer

This helps create pension-like income without locking money permanently.

» Third Priority – Stability Allocation

Another 30–35% can be placed in safe interest-oriented instruments like:

– senior citizen eligible deposit structures
– post office backed income options
– short-duration debt-oriented mutual funds

Purpose:

– predictable returns
– low volatility
– steady support income

» Fourth Priority – Growth Portion (Important Even at 70)

Even at age 70, some allocation to growth is necessary because:

– inflation reduces purchasing power
– medical costs rise every year
– life expectancy now extends beyond 85

So allocate about 20–25% into carefully selected diversified equity-oriented mutual funds through staggered investment.

This portion protects long-term wealth value.

» Avoid Investing Entire Amount in One Option

Many retirees make this mistake:

– putting full amount into deposits
– locking full amount into one scheme
– giving money for high-return private offers
– lending to relatives without structure

Diversification is the protection shield at this stage.

» Tax Efficiency Planning Is Important

Property sale creates capital gains implications.

So before investing:

– calculate capital gains tax properly
– explore legal reinvestment strategies available
– structure investments in phases instead of lump sum deployment

This preserves more of your wealth.

» Nomination and Estate Planning Must Be Updated

Since you have no commitments now:

– ensure nominee details are correct
– prepare a simple Will
– document investment structure clearly
– inform family members where records are stored

This prevents confusion later.

» Suggested Allocation Structure (Simple Model)

A balanced structure may look like:

– 10–15% emergency reserve
– 30–35% stable income options
– 40% income-support mutual funds
– 20–25% growth mutual funds

This creates:

– monthly income
– liquidity
– inflation protection
– capital safety balance

» Health Insurance Check

Even if you already have coverage:

– review whether coverage is sufficient today
– add top-up if required
– keep separate medical reserve anyway

Medical inflation is the biggest risk after retirement.

» Finally

At age 70, the goal is not maximum return. The goal is steady income, capital protection, and independence with dignity. With proper allocation of this Rs 1 crore, you can comfortably create reliable income support for the rest of your life while preserving wealth for future needs and family support.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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