Teach Your Children Well 199a few, starting with accurately interpreting social cues.
Some kids trip into some very automatic but inaccurate
interpretations of their experiences and the intentions of
others, including “It’s not fair!,” “You always blame me!,”
“Nobody likes me,” and “I’m stupid.” These interpretations
can cause spontaneous combustion if left unattended.
Adult: Cindy, how do you like school?
Cindy: I hate school.
Adult: You hate school? What is it about school that
you hate?
Cindy: I just don’t like it.
Adult: That’s a shame, because you have to spend
a lot of time there. But what is it that you don’t
like?
Cindy: The other kids think I’m stupid.
Adult: They do? How so?
Cindy: They just do.
Adult: Tell me what you mean by “stupid.”
Cindy: You know... dumb... stupid.
Adult: That must not feel very good to you. What
makes you think the other kids think you’re stupid?
Do they say you’re stupid?
Cindy: No, not exactly. I just know they think that.
Adult: Is there anyone else who makes you feel that
you’re stupid?
Cindy: No.