AboutEvelyn Petersen Expertise I`ve been a weekly parenting columnist for the Knight Ridder papers for 18 years and have answered hundreds of parent questions on at least 200 different topics, most of which related to educational, behavioral and family issues. I`m also a mom, grandmom and author of 7 parenting books. My advice is practical, direct, and positive.
Experience My experience as a mother and grandmother is just as important as my 40 years in the field of education. My degrees are in Child and Family Life and Education. I've taught in settings from preschool centers to family homes, and from private and public schools to college classrooms. I'm also an active consultant for Head Start and other early childhood programs.
Organizations National Assn. for the Education of Young Children
Assn. for Childhood Education International
National Federation of Press Women
Publications Weekkly parenting columns in the Knight Ridder papers and Wire Service from 1984 to present
Author of eight books: "A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Planning" and "A Practical Guide to Early Childhood Curriculum, Second Ed" Allyn & Bacon; "Growing Happy Kids", "Growing Creative Kids", "Growing Thinking Kids", and "Growing Responsible Kids" McGraw-Hill/Totline imprint; "1,2,3, Blocks" McGraw-Hill/Totline imprint; and "Sams Teach Yourself e-Parenting Today" Macmillan USA. My writing also appears in the Nashville Tennessean, on women.com and on tnpc.com (The National Parenting Center)as well as on my own web site (www.askevelyn.com)and other link-related sites. I am also a regular feature writer for "Children and Families" magazine.
Education/Credentials BA Child Development/Family Life; Purdue University
MA Education (early ed priority); Central Mich. University
Awards and Honors Honored by the Michigan State Legislature and the Michigan Childrens' Trust Fund for the Prevention of Child Abuse for writing that helps to promote positive parenting skills. Winner of several Press Women Awards for various columns. Winner of Parents' Choice Recommended Award for the book "Growing Responsible Kids".
Question My 6 year old daughter (1st grade) is very bright and catches on to things quickly when she applies herself the trouble is I cannot get her to apply herself and she seems to lack confidence in her own abilitites. She often will not even try to answer questions that I am certain she knows the answer to. Recently her teacher said that she was asking for too much help with her work at school but when she sent home extra work to try to increase her competency level my daughter was able to complete without assistance. I am mostly concerned about being able to increase her confidence level whch I hope will in turn have a positive impact on her motivation. Do you have any advice?
Answer Dear Rebekah,
This should be taken up with the teachers at the school. make an appointment to observe there, and also an appointment to talk to the teacher about this issue. It is my feeling that there may be some sort of peer pressure that is causing this, but if you don't observe or talk to the teacher, you can hardly assume this. You can also try asking your child about her friends at school or how they treat her. Evelyn PS Keep praising her at home for her capabilities, and also reassure her that you love her just because "you're you". Be sure to encourage self help and independnece at home too.
