Monthly Archives: July 2011

1 Why are young people undisciplined

cool asks: What are the reasons for lack of discipline among youths?

Hi cool –

Well I am exactly the right one to ask about this!  Because I was a terrible puppy!  I loved to drive Handsome absolutely nuts with biting, chewing, yelping, escaping, jumping on strangers, anything I could do!  And when I say “puppy,” I really mean until I was around 3 years old (which in dog years means 21!).

So why was I so undisciplined?  Lots of reasons.  The main one was that it felt Continue reading

0 How can school teach children about jobs

1 asks: I’m a teacher in primary school. I want to know how I can give guidance to children about jobs.

Hey 1, good for you!  So many teachers avoid talking with young children about jobs, and only teach them official subjects.  But kids want to know about jobs, and it really helps for them to see how their book-learning applies to the work they’ll be doing in the big world some day.

At the same time, because you’re teaching Primary school, you’re going to face a lot of kids who (correctly) have dreams that extend beyond their Continue reading

0 How should a teenage girl dress?

Charis asks: I don’t know what has gotten into me, that makes me feel so self-conscious these days. I used to be unbothered with what I wore, only caring about whether or not it’s comfortable. But now, I think of how people would think about me, and whether my so-called fashion sense would allow me to fit in with my other friends. However, my friends said that I have a very ‘Auntie’ style. I usually wear long jeans with a sweater. To me, it’s just being conservative so as to avoid giving guys the wrong impression. But, to my friends, I am being a coward by being scared to show some skin. I tried to shop for slightly-above-knee dresses, but I felt uncomfortable in them. I can’t take it anymore. What do I do?

Well Charis, here’s the good and bad news:  Welcome to Teenagerhood!  It’s great that you got to spend your childhood being a sensible girl who cared mainly about comfort, practicality, and safety.  Now here all that intelligence goes – whoosh – out the window!!

Now am I saying you’re not intelligent anymore?  Of course not.  In fact, in many ways, you’re smarter than you’ve ever been.   But now that you’re a teenager, some things matter that never mattered before.  Like just how important other people’s opinions are, and whether or not you’re attractive to the people you’re attracted to.  And especially Being Continue reading

0 How to prepare for cumulative exams

Angelbrat asks: I’m supossed to do my IGCSE exams in November, and yet I don’t feel like I’m ready! I’m always babysitting my little brother and at times I don’t have time for my studies! What should I do? Do you have any method of studying that can help me? I’m counting on you, please!

Hi Angelbrat –

It sounds to me like you’re dealing with two issues.  As far as the question about study methods, I’d refer you to CaNdAcE’s question about school tips for teenagers.  I threw some good stuff in there, if I do say so myself!

But I think you have a bigger problem than just study techniques.  And that’s called Time Management.  It’s hard for teenagers to manage time anyway, and you’re supposed to be babysitting your little brother – so how can you possibly get everything done?

The answer is the most boring word any teenager ever hears:  Continue reading