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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Miss Telall 12/15/15

SBPL readers, it’s your own advice columnist- Miss Telall, presenting two more entries. Having issues or just want to talk? She’s always up to offer advice, so be sure to email her at MissTelallSBPL@gmail.com, and check the SPBL blog for a reply addressing your problem. All entries are always ANONYMOUS, and no problem is too big or too embarrassing for Miss Telall to tackle!

Dear Miss Telall,

       Recently, what with all the homework and activities I have to do in school, I never have time to read anymore. I used to read a book almost everyday- now, I barely have any time for myself; and, when I do have time, I find I’ve become too distracted and stressed to really get into a book- there’s just so much to do! How can I regain my love for novels?

                                       Sincerely,
                                Losing at Literature
Dear Losing at Literature,

      I know the feeling. When you're younger you have so much time to read books, but now that we're older we have to spend our time more wisely. That doesn't mean giving up your childhood obsession with novels. When you get into a busier mindset sometimes you're more distracted and it's harder to concentrate on a book. My advice is to train yourself to get back into the right mindset. Decide that you're going to spend a small amount of time every single day reading a book. It could be 30 minutes or even an hour-  whatever you can squeeze in at lunch time, in the morning, or just before you go to bed. This way, you’ll get back into the habits of an avid reader. That calm mindset you have when you're reading a book is not something you can force. So, find a calm and quiet place that you are not distracted in. I would suggest going to the library-there are many quiet areas specifically made to be comfortable to you when you are reading. Think plush chairs, absolute silence, and general tranquility. On top of where and how you read your books, it's also the important to think about what kind of books you're reading. Ask the library staff for recommendations on topics you are learning about in school or just have always been interested in. The teen room has a great selection of fictions that are especially stocked because they have proved popular with other people. Start to carry that one novel around with you wherever you go-that way when you're bored you can pull it out and start to read. Be realistic! You're different person now with a different time schedule. It's OK to have periods when you can't read as long as you make an effort to do so! Overall, don't see it as a chore- reading is a beautiful and enriching thing, but also something that should be practiced! Have fun!

                                        Sincerely,
                                       Miss Telall
Dear Miss Telall,

        Being an only child, I was raised very dependent on my parents. While some children were already doing things like cooking or cleaning for themselves as teenagers, my mom and dad provided and completed chores for me. That was fantastic, except now I’m almost eighteen, and worried that I won’t be able to do much for myself or live on my own after high school. I need major help!

                                       Sincerely,
                             Definition of Dependency
    
Dear Definition of Dependency,

        While many kids would have loved to have a childhood with no responsibilities, you are realizing that this lifestyle put you at a disadvantage amongst your peers. However, it’s not too late to start developing the skills you’ll need to live a rewarding, independent life. Put together a detailed list of everything that you need to learn- from cooking to cleaning to managing money.  Decide who can help you in each area (friends, parents, television, the Internet) and figure out a realistic time frame in which you can learn new skills and test them out. Additionally, ask your parents if you can do more chores or help them around the house. They’ll love the extra help, and will teach you how to take care of yourself in the future. Try not to expect perfection as fast as possible. The more you practice (and make mistakes), the more you’ll learn from each experience.
             
                                  Sincerely,
                                Miss Telall


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