I used to be a boy, and boy, it took a long time to come to terms with some of the stuff boys had to grow up with. A good friend of mine (who also used to be a boy) read my article called “When Friends Argue” and asked me why he doesn’t remember experiencing…
I’ve come to know that when children who are good friends argue, they usually remain good friends. But they often don’t know that. One child may angrily and earnestly say, “I’m never playing with you again.” Another may think the world has come to an end; without that particular friendship, nothing will ever be right…
In our society, when adults steal, they’re supposed to be punished. When children steal, they’re supposed to be taught not to. That’s the way our society works. Some people believe, as I do, that adults should also be taught not to steal, but I don’t know how to do that; I specialize in children. And…
The term “quality time” started getting popular in the 1970s. I think it was used as an attempt to make people feel better about not spending much time with their children. Somehow, the “quality” of the time parents spent with their children was going to compensate for the lack of quantity. It didn’t take long…
Once, I participated in a workshop that focussed on “mid-life transitions.” I was in my late thirties, but since, like everyone else, I didn’t know how long I’d live, I figured I might as well face whatever mid-life issues I needed to face – try to get them over with. The presenter was eloquent. One…
I’ve seen many good student teachers being observed by their supervisors. And they seldom show their supervisors how good they are. Instead, they try to imagine what their supervisors want to see, and as long as the supervisors are there, they put on the show. When the ordeal is over, and the spotlight is turned…
There’s a place between impossible and too easy where learning happens best. When people find themselves in that place, learning is exciting and enjoyable. Every new bit of skill or knowledge makes the learner want more. People who are lucky enough to spend a lot of time in that place know about the feeling of…
I’m confused about the issue of bilingual education. At first, I thought I’d avoid writing about it untIl I was able to think clearly about it, but I’m beginning to think that confusion about it is evidence of clear thinking. If I’m ever able to stand confidently on one side of the issue, I’ll write…
It’s not unusual for a child to hear this compliment from an adult: “You acted so grown-up today.” I think there’s something wrong with that compliment. We may occasionally compliment adults by telling them they look young, but we don’t usually say to them, with pride in our voices, “You acted so much like a…
Sometimes, when you’re travelling a long distance in a car, or have some other reason to need some silence and peace, there are children with you who do not feel at all peaceful, and do not feel that silence would be an effective way to express what they’re feeling. It’s important for children to know…