Bully to elevate social status

The stereotype of the school bully preying upon the weak student isn’t much of a reality among today’s youth according to new research.  In a CNN study researchers surprisingly discovered there isn’t much difference between bullies and victims.  Most bullying reflects what they call “social combat”.  The prime motivation behind bullying appears to be social status. The higher students rise on the social ladder, the more they bully other students, and the more other students bully them.

What teachers really want to tell parents

Ron Clark writes one of the best editorials I have ever read.  I agree that a parent should consider a teacher’s advice as they would a doctor or attorney.  They are professional educators and have the objectivity, training, experience and knowledge we do not possess.   Plus, they really do care for and love our children.  They have their best interest in mind.  Most will tell you “I’m sure not in it for the money.”



Start strong

A slew of resources, advice and tips to ensure your child with ADD, ADHD or Learning Disabilities has a great school year.

http://www.additudemag.com/channel/adhd-learning-disabilities/index.html


College professor’s video game addiction

An honest and eye-opening account of a man’s struggle with video game addiction.  I was especially interested in how this problem manifested itself during his teenage and college years. He and his parents apparently normalized the behavior.  We do that…don’t we?  I agree that gaming can be a poor substitute for legitimate social relationships.  Social needs and self-esteem are met in a virtual world where one feels important and powerful. His story is an important lesson on managing our children’s electronic habits.