A few years ago, I taught my daughter to drive. Up until that point, she generally wanted me to speak for her and do for her. After getting her license, I "forced" her to get a job in order to pay for her gas, insurance, and maintenance of the car we let her drive. Since then, our girl has blossomed in her confidence and level of maturity. She recently told her dad and me a story about how a substitute teacher came to her classroom at school looking for her teacher who was currently out of the room. The other kids avoided helping the woman, but my girl stepped up and handled the situation like a pro. The other kids were AMAZED at how she handled herself, actually talking to an ADULT in a confident, professional manner. I will soon be relegated to the position of consultant in her life and I couldn't be happier about it!
It's best not to let this gestate. However bad it is now, it will only get worse if you aren't proactive. Out behavior is more learned than we realize. She can be taught to feel comfortable outside on her own. It will take time and patience. But if you teach her, she will learn.
As a teacher in SoCal inner-city for 25 years, mostly in 4th grade, I discovered that children like this have a tendency to be afraid because they are being bullied by someone either at school or in the neighborhood. Maybe have a discussion with her during 1:1 time and see if she will share what could be making her so reluctant to go it alone. Is it as global as grandma's fear? Is it a friend who turned on her (girls this age have fickle friends). Is it that she is afraid of her own ability. Then you will know how to proceed.
A few years ago, I taught my daughter to drive. Up until that point, she generally wanted me to speak for her and do for her. After getting her license, I "forced" her to get a job in order to pay for her gas, insurance, and maintenance of the car we let her drive. Since then, our girl has blossomed in her confidence and level of maturity. She recently told her dad and me a story about how a substitute teacher came to her classroom at school looking for her teacher who was currently out of the room. The other kids avoided helping the woman, but my girl stepped up and handled the situation like a pro. The other kids were AMAZED at how she handled herself, actually talking to an ADULT in a confident, professional manner. I will soon be relegated to the position of consultant in her life and I couldn't be happier about it!
wow, now that's a happy ending! Way to go, Jennifer! Great story.
I love this. Wonderful advice. Thank you.
It's best not to let this gestate. However bad it is now, it will only get worse if you aren't proactive. Out behavior is more learned than we realize. She can be taught to feel comfortable outside on her own. It will take time and patience. But if you teach her, she will learn.
As a teacher in SoCal inner-city for 25 years, mostly in 4th grade, I discovered that children like this have a tendency to be afraid because they are being bullied by someone either at school or in the neighborhood. Maybe have a discussion with her during 1:1 time and see if she will share what could be making her so reluctant to go it alone. Is it as global as grandma's fear? Is it a friend who turned on her (girls this age have fickle friends). Is it that she is afraid of her own ability. Then you will know how to proceed.