Home-schooled...and social?

I'm in high school and I need some help. I used to go to public school, and I loved it! But, last year I had to come home.

I can only imagine how difficult it is for you to go from seeing your friends every day at school to maybe seeing them once or twice on weekends. People are social by nature and when you don’t get social interaction with friends, it can actually leave you feeling depressed  and sad. But, of course, there are ways of coping with these feelings and learning that being home-schooled can be just as much fun as going to public school!

Lost touch with friends you used to see every day at school? Just 'cause you’ve transferred doesn’t mean you have to stop hanging with your buds. Give them a call or send them a text to let them know you're thinking about them, then schedule a time when you can all hang out. You’ll find that just talking to your friends a few times a week can help you feel more happy and social.

I bet if you look on your community’s website or in your local library, you can find tons of events going on right in your own neighborhood. These are a great way of meeting and talking to new people. Interested in gymnastics? Take a class at the local YMCA. Wanna learn how to make pottery? I bet your community’s rec center has lessons. The good thing is you can pick and choose what you want to do and are guaranteed to meet people with similar interests.

Sometimes I wish I had more alone time because being a social butterfly can get super-stressful. When you feel alone or sad because there’s no one to hang with, find an activity that you enjoy. Whether it’s turning on your iPod and taking a long, scenic walk, or watching cheesy chick-flicks, or playing your fave video game, find something that makes you feel happy, and you won’t feel so down in the dumps.

Remember, being alone isn’t always a negative thing and can actually help you learn more about yourself, which will help you when you socialize. So get out there and join a club to meet new people.

GOT SCHOOLROOM STRESS? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/19/2009 7:00:00 AM 40 COMMENTS

Embarrassed in gym class

This year we have to change for gym. I hate changing 'cause I'm a lot more developed than the other girls.

Also, when we swim I might be on my period. How do I tell that to my gym teacher? She's female but I'm still so nervous to say something!

Being more developed than the other girls is not something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. Your body clock might be a bit faster than the other girls and that's totally OK. Soon enough everyone else is gonna go through the same changes and you can be there to help and support them since you've already gone through it all.

Don't fret about changing in front of them either. I'm sure every girl in your class is thinking the same thing. All the gals are gonna be so focused on keeping themselves in the shadows that they aren't even going to be paying attention to your bod.

Use a towel for privacy if you want to keep yourself covered up. Tie it around your waist while you're changing into shorts. Knot it under your top above your chest and just under your armpits to cover up while changing into your t-shirt or tank top for gym class. You'll get the gist of changing soon enough and learn other methods to put on tops over the top you are wearing and removing one arm at a time while you're changing so that you never have to be nervous.

As for swimming? Try using tampons. They'll provide protection and allow you to swim whole you're on your period. If you don't feel comfy using them and don't wanna hit the pool while you're on your period, just talk to your gym teacher. She went through the same thing when she was younger and is bound to understand where you are coming from. And don't be embarrassed because most of the girls in your class will be going through this, too!

GOT SCHOOLROOM STRESS? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/12/2009 7:00:00 AM 94 COMMENTS

Should I go to boarding school?

I recently found out about a chance for me to go to a boarding school. I think it sounds like a great opportunity and it's something that I'm considering (my parents are thinking about it, too). There's just one little problem...it's about five states away from where I live now! I don't know how I feel about moving away from EVERYTHING I'm used to for a whole year (well, except for holidays, but that's beside the point).

I'm really just asking for the opinion of someone not really involved in the situation. What do you think? Do you think it'd be worth it? What could I do to adjust if I do decide to attend? Thanks!

Wow, this sounds like an awesome experience. I know it's a lot to consider, so grab a pen and paper and jot down a list of pros and cons. Would you be happier sticking at home with friends and fam? Or are you more of an adventurer who loves being exposed to new places and situations? Talk it out with your BFF, your mom and your teachers. Visit the school and see if it feels right for you. Talk to students and professors on campus. Do the best research you can before making the decision.

BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/5/2009 7:00:00 AM 50 COMMENTS

SO against dissection

I'm 13 and in seventh grade. I'm also a vegetarian, and a rather strict one at that. I found out from my older brother that this year in my science class we're required to dissect three things: a worm, a frog and a starfish. Obviously, I'm not going to do it. It's 100% against what I believe in (though my beliefs are neither religious nor shared by my family).

Unfortunately, it's mandatory, and very important for the grade I get. Although I still have a while to go, I want to plan ahead. I don't want to fail science, but I really don't wanna go through with it. It will eat at my conscious forever. Please help!

 
Thanks,
Save-The-Squids

Hey girl, first I have to say, “Wow!” I’m impressed with your determination to stand up for what you believe in. A lot of people are content to just go with the flow, but you’re committed to making a difference. I respect you for that.

It’s important for your teachers to understand why you’re against dissecting. You gotta let them know that you’re not just trying to get out of your schoolwork. Chances are, if your teachers understand where you're coming from, they'll be impressed by your maturity and more willing to compromise.

Thanks to modern technology, some schools allow students to dissect animals using a computer program. It’s easy and painless—a plus for you AND Kermit. Studies have shown you learn just as much about an animal from computer simulation as you do when you physically dissect.

If a virtual program isn't an option, ask your teacher if it would be possible to write an essay or work on a project instead. If you stand up for yourself and your beliefs, that will get you a long way—not only in school, but in life, too. I'm already proud that you're sticking by your beliefs. Best of luck, hon!

GOT SCHOOLROOM STRESS? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/29/2009 7:00:00 AM 83 COMMENTS