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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