200 The Explosive ChildAdult: Well, there must be some reason you think the
other kids think you’re stupid. What made you
decide that?
Cindy: I sometimes say the wrong answer in class.
Adult: That can be very embarrassing. Can you
remember a time when that happened?
Cindy: Well, like last week we were doing math
problems on the chalkboard, and my answer was
wrong.
Adult: Did the other kids laugh?
Cindy: No, not really.
Adult: Did someone tease you about putting the
wrong answer?
Cindy: No.
Adult: Did any of the other kids put the wrong
answer?
Cindy: Yes.... lots.
Adult: Were they stupid when they put the wrong
answer?
Cindy: No.
Adult: What’s different when you put the wrong
answer?
Cindy: I don’t know. I just know they think I’m stupid.
Adult: Hmmm. When you put the wrong answer,
you’re stupid, but when they put the wrong
answer, they’re not. I don’t get it.
Cindy: Me either.