Stay connected to your kid and keep the lines of communication open.Use the prompts here to help your child manage similar concerns.
Reader Evie worries that her new glasses will cause people to make fun of her. We told her to try laughing it off if she can; kids may leave her alone if she’s unfazed by their comments. We also suggested she hang out with kids who like her just the way she is.
Q’s for your kids:
- Have you or a friend ever been teased because of your glasses or something either of you was wearing?
- How did you react?
- Did that stop the teasing?
- What would you do or say if you saw a friend being teased?
- What’s more important: doing the right thing or being popular? Explain.
A still-to-come growth spurt keeps one Highlights reader off amusement-park rides that have height requirements. We assured him that one day he will be tall enough for the rides but said in the meantime he should enjoy the things he can do, such as join friends on rides that have no such restrictions.
Q’s for your kids:
- Why do you think theme parks have height rules?
- Which rides have such rules at parks you visit?
- Are there any rides that are too scary for you?
- Are there any rides you won’t go on?
- When you are on a ride, what rules do you need to follow?
New Yorker Rachel gets so absorbed in good books that she ends up ignoring people who are trying to talk to her. We recommended she set aside time to read when she’s least likely to be interrupted, say, around bedtime. We also suggested she try closing a book if someone needs her attention. After all, the book will still be there when the conversation’s finished!
Q’s for your kids:
- Which book is your favorite in your collection at home?
- What kinds of books do you like to borrow from the school or public library? Mysteries? Biographies? Graphic novels?
- Why can it be difficult to put a good book down?
- What activities or hobbies cause you to focus so much that you lose track of time?
- Do you ever not listen as well as you should? How can you be a better listener?
