Questions & Answers

When kids are falling behind academically, or being bullied or having to deal with friends who have suddenly turned against them, school can become an awful place. Because parents are likely to hear only one side of “the story” they are frequently at a loss to understand what’s actually going on in school. As a teacher, you can provide them with the bigger picture. You can also let parents know that you are committed to supporting the healthy social/emotional development of each one of your students.

These emails have been sent to me from concerned parents whose tweens and teens are having school-related problems. I share their questions here (along with my responses) so that you may have greater understanding of the impact of school issues on students and their families. Hopefully, this insight will encourage you and your colleagues to improve communication between school and home. It’s your students’ best chance for academic and social success.

	TITLE	MAIN TOPIC
“Why isn't someone doing something about mean girls?”		Bullying
“My son is 15. Why doesn't he want to talk about college?”		Communication Problems
“Are we doing too much for our 10 year old?”		Behavior Problems
“My son's behavior is really appalling.”		Behavior Problems
“My 10 year old cannot seem to focus.”		School Problems
“My daughter's life has been made a living hell by bullies.”		Bullying
“My daughter's ex best friend has turned against her.”		Bullying
“Mean girls are preying on my daughter.”		Bullying
“My child is being teased!”		Bullying
“Lately my daughter has been lying to us and verbally abusive.”		Abusive relationships

Read teen letters about school problems here.

Need some advice?
Write to Annie. She’s got answers.