Post by Mel on Jul 7, 2006 7:23:26 GMT -5
"The Art of Listening"
Sarah's short statements were often the most revealing of her inner turmoil and unmet needs. Self-discovery and growth are solitary and often painful processes, and they take great patience on the part of the parent. We allowed these statements and others to guide us in assisting her on her timetable, preserving her independence.
"Why do people speak to each other so harshly?"
"The teacher is always screaming."
"Can you give me extra spelling words?"
1994, 4th grade
"Mom, for some reason I don't seem to be connecting with the kids at school."
1996, 7th grade
"I often 'dip down' so I can have friends."
"I feel so controlled; this school feels like a prison."
"There is no respect for individuality."
1998, end of 8th grade
"I'm struggling. I feel like I'm suffocating."
"Grandpa, I think the high school will open up more opportunities for me."
Summer 1999, upon entrance to 9th grade
"How would you feel if all you did was deal with clueless kids all day long?"
"I think one way, but I feel another way."
"I surround myself with a bubble."
"I'm not making good choices for myself lately."
"My strengths are a curse."
1999, 9th grade
"This is the first year I have ever felt challenged at school."
"The kids don't have the same experiences that I have. Where are all the kids like me?"
"It's hard, I'm lonely, but it is better to be who I am."
"Thank you for sticking by me and helping me be the best I can be."
2000, 10th grade
Sarah's short statements were often the most revealing of her inner turmoil and unmet needs. Self-discovery and growth are solitary and often painful processes, and they take great patience on the part of the parent. We allowed these statements and others to guide us in assisting her on her timetable, preserving her independence.
"Why do people speak to each other so harshly?"
"The teacher is always screaming."
"Can you give me extra spelling words?"
1994, 4th grade
"Mom, for some reason I don't seem to be connecting with the kids at school."
1996, 7th grade
"I often 'dip down' so I can have friends."
"I feel so controlled; this school feels like a prison."
"There is no respect for individuality."
1998, end of 8th grade
"I'm struggling. I feel like I'm suffocating."
"Grandpa, I think the high school will open up more opportunities for me."
Summer 1999, upon entrance to 9th grade
"How would you feel if all you did was deal with clueless kids all day long?"
"I think one way, but I feel another way."
"I surround myself with a bubble."
"I'm not making good choices for myself lately."
"My strengths are a curse."
1999, 9th grade
"This is the first year I have ever felt challenged at school."
"The kids don't have the same experiences that I have. Where are all the kids like me?"
"It's hard, I'm lonely, but it is better to be who I am."
"Thank you for sticking by me and helping me be the best I can be."
2000, 10th grade