li

family Focus

Start-Of-School Blues

Q

: I just started fourth
grade last week and I
don't like my class! I
don't know anyone, and all of my
friends are in other classrooms.
I am not allowed to switch class-
es! What should I do?

Q: As the mother of a fifth-
grade girl who is constantly
being teased and bullied at
school, is it appropriate for me
to intervene on her behalf?

A: Most often the answer is no, as parent
intervention often leads to further prob-
A: It sounds like you are feeling left out
lems. I am assuming that your daughter
and upset because you haven't made
has shared this information with you.
any new friends yet. Here
This is a good indication that
are a few things you can try
you have open lines of com-
that might help you in this
munication, which is very
situation. First, see if there
important. Help your daughter
is someone you think seems
to express her feelings about
nice or interesting, someone
what is happening and why
you might like to be your
she thinks she is being tar-
friend. Ask that person if
geted.
you can eat lunch with him,
Do not be judgmental or
or join him at recess time.
critical, but listen and reflect
Usually other kids are very
back what you are hearing. Be
willing to include another
Suzi E pstein
supportive of your child by
student in their plans.
Specia I to the
brainstorming with her pos-
During recess, you may
Jewis h News
sible solutions she might use
see some classmates who are
to handle the situation. Discuss
doing something that you enjoy. Ask if
the dynamics involved with each sugges-
you can join in that activity. It is likely
tion and how that might play out.
these same students will invite you to
Role-playing the various scenarios
play with them again. Another idea
with your child gives your daughter
might be to ask permission from your
the practice and the necessary tools to
parent(s) to make some after-school
handle difficult situations on her own.
plans. Find one person who you might
You may also want to consider contact-
like to get to know better and invite him
ing the school counselor, social worker
to do something. Sometimes finding one or teacher to make each aware of the
new friendly face makes all the differ-
situation. ❑
ence in the world!
It is important that you continue to
Suzi Epstein of West Bloomfield is a
share your feelings with your parents,
longtime elementary counselor in the
your teacher or your school counselor,
Birmingham Schools. She earned a mas-
as they all may have some good sug-
ter's in guidance and counseling and also
gestions to start your school year off
has a private practice. Direct questions to
positively.
SuziEpstein@gmail.com .

Crossword Puzzle Answers

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 662

SHAS
ROAR
CAME L
HOLE
CARE
HALVE
AS I A
AR TAXERXES
MEATS
S I LVA
I RS
EASELS
SL I PS
D A I N T Y
HOPE
BAY
YVES
SMEL LS
ER I
EAT
AHA
AEP
GOVERN
EL IM
MAY
SNOW
PLANET
EASEL
EL I SHA
ANY
STR I P
ETHEL
MAUTHAUSEN
HA I L
ESTEE
TORN
EDNA
N I ZER
ANTE
SEEN

GMGPV'S

Family owned & operated since 1947

Creative Jewelers

30975 Orchard Lake Road • Farmington Hills • 248.855.0433

Maza/ to-ve
to
JERRY
AWERBUCH...

..•who will be celebrating his Both on October 1st.
Jerry was the owner of Jerome's Shoes in Detroit and
Southfield and he was an icon in the community for
many years. For those of you who remember Terry, he was
and still is the forever jokester, so we thought with this
photo, the jokes on himl if any old friends, family or cus-
tomers want to wish Jerry birthday cheer, contact hint at
bbejeraMattnet. Re would love to hear from you!

Dad-grandpa, we love you and wish you the happiest dayl
Bebe, Alison, Gavin, Amy, Eric, Adam, Drew
Bruce, Don, Jodi, Robert, Ari, Tali, Robbie, Elleanna

1436290

CANTOR SAMUEL

GREENBAUM

Certified Mohel

Skill, Sensitivity and Tradition
come together to create your special Bris.

Answering all of your anesthetic & aftercare needs.

(248) 855-A BOY (2269)

Office: (248) 547-7970
p erfectno w excite. corn

September 25 • 2008

B71