Identifying a child’s inattention early is one of the most important steps in protecting their self-esteem, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. When inattention goes unrecognised, children are often labelled as stubborn, careless, or “not trying,” which can deeply affect how they see themselves. Understanding the difference between inattention and simple stubbornness helps parents respond with empathy rather than frustration. (Also read: Love without limits: How digital dating is redefining romance in India ) Early recognition of inattention vs stubbornness is crucial for child development.(Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dhruv Rawat, Clinical Psychologist at Lissun, shared insights on how parents can distinguish between true inattention and stubborn behaviour in children. How to tell if it’s inattention or just stubbornness “A key sign of true inattention is that the behaviour appears in every setting,” Dhruv explains. “The child struggles to sit, focus, or follow instructions not just at home or school, but also during tuition, playtime, or social situations. This shows that the difficulty is neurological, not situational. In comparison, stubborn behaviour is typically selective, a …