QUIZ
When Your Child Writes an Essay, Which Parent Are You?
Coauthors/writing coaches Melissa Mead and Diane Stafford want you to confess:
- If your child gets frustrated while writing an essay, you usually
- Write it for her.
- Provide candy and/or cookies.
- Talk about the “stupid teacher.”
- Give encouragement and walk away.
- If your child complains “I have nothing to say!” when writing, you:
- List ideas to include.
- Try to pull ideas out of the stubborn kid.
- Buy him a new game or toy.
- Reassure that something good will come to his mind and walk away.
- Your main reaction when your child gets frustrated with writing is:
- Why aren’t teachers doing a better job of teaching writing?
- Maybe this kid is not a good writer.
- Why does she have to use that prompt?
- Just tell yourself that frustration is part of growth—and your child will find her way.
- While your child is writing, he says that he is just “dumb,” so you jump in:
- And write the essay for him
- Reassure him of his intelligence
- Tell the kid there is no need to do the assignment
- Smile and hug him and say, “You’re feeling frustrated and that ‘s normal; it will help you get to the words you need…”
- If your child shows you her first paragraph, you:
- Talk about what you would write.
- Point out each mistake.
- Explain that having writing ability is not important in life.
- Offer a positive comment, a big smile, and say, “Keep going just like you’re doing. It’s working.”
ANSWERS
- d
- d
- d
- b and d
- d
- If all answers are a, b, or c , you’re a Helicopter Parent Extraordinaire.
- Mostly a, b, or c and 2 or 3 d’s, you’re a Quasi-Hovering Parent.
- If you chose d for all questions, you’re a Super-Smart-Savvy Parent.