CuriosityCafe Tidbits


Just Ask!

by Susan Sehi-Smith

Q

Last year my third-grader loved school, but since this school year started she has developed a terrible attitude about going to school, her teacher, homework, even her classmates. I am concerned and wonder what I can do to change Amanda’s attitude.

Grouchy Girl’s Mom in Galesburg

A

Have there been any major changes in your family life or structure? Often, children react to a divorce, a new sibling, or a relocation by redirecting their anger. These issues need to bey addressed. Perhaps counseling might be helpful. If there have been no changes on the home front, look at the school environment.

Has Amanda become a target of teasing or social outcasting by her classmates? Children can often be cruel about simple things like wearing glasses or having a different accent. If she is being harassed talk to her to learn the extent of the situation and then meet with and talk to her teacher. Reinforcing your daughter’s self-esteem will help her minimize the importance she places on the opinions of others.

Is she suddenly having difficulties with her schoolwork or homework assignments? Fear of failure could be a strong motivator for trying to avoid the whole school issue. If she is having a tough time, get her some extra help in the form of tutoring. Be sure to emphasize that needing help doesn’t mean that she is “stupid” or a bad student.

Keep in mind that children also mimic the attitudes of others. Amanda may just be adopting the “anti-school” attitude she hears peers, or older students, mouthing. Nobody wants to be “uncool” if the norm on the playground is school bashing.


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The most important things you can do to help Amanda’s attitude are to keep a up-beat attitude yourself and to keep anline of communication. If the idea of education and being a responsible school citizen is positively fostered at home, your daughter won’t feel embarrassed about enjoying school herself. Daily conversations about her school day will not only show your interest but will provide a chance for her toup about what she is feeling and experiencing.

Listen closely and you will be able to pinpoint trouble spots. When these occur, act calmly but quickly to head off the problem. Use her teacher as a resource for making Amanda’s school encounters positive. Together you can provide the support and help to build a lifelong love of learning. Don’t let your third-grader’s bad attitude grow into an impenetrable wall that blocks out the wonders of discovery.

Do you have a question about your favorite youngster's latest challenge? Email Sue!

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After years of conducting Link Exchange activity for my business and those of my clients I started noticing the effect this program brought to my clients. This is exactly what we did, realizing that giving time and attention to the type of companies you are contacting and industries you are targeting is imperative to the success of your Link exchange campaign. Many times I have heard that Link Exchanges work on statistics and the more you send the more links you will have.

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