Fredericksburg Parent

March 2017

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www.FredParent.NET • 21 growth. Let him know that you're not angry if he's trying hard and not doing well. It's also OK to partner with the teachers. Ask them how you can help, and then work out an agreement with your child so that both of you are working together on the problem. Not only are you teaching your child the content, but you're helping him learn how to deal with similar situations that are sure to arise later on in life—in college or in the workplace—in a healthy, productive manner. It's diffi cult to watch your child fail, and it's even harder to watch your child suffer diffi cult people (teachers, bosses, administrators or roommates can be mean, unfair and just plain wrong), but the more parents micromanage and solve something that a child can easily solve on his own, the more helpless, anxious and prone to risky behavior they may become later in life. Instead, try to be more of a "submarine" parent: someone who out of sight and unobtrusive, but who can rise to the surface when support is needed. Not only will your teenager appreciate it (hopefully strengthening your relationship), but it will teach them how to be strong, creative and independent. And that's something everybody wants! * from "The Importance of Self-Advocacy For Kids With Learning and Attention Issues," by Andrew M.I. Lee While shyness and introversion are understandable natural personality traits, the ability to advocate for one's self is also a natural progression of maturity. • 540-548-8885 • www.wiggleworms.net

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