Q: My child doesn't do well in large groups. We go to playgrounds and she doesn't want to join the others. What can you suggest?

A: This isn't uncommon! She may feel more comfortable with smaller groups, children she knows, or meeting one new person at a time. You may opt to create your own play days at a park or playground, inviting one or two other families or children. Give her an opportunity to enjoy familiar faces, introducing one or two new people at a time, and she may enjoy that much more.

Q: I can't imagine asking my child to entertain himself productively for even an hour. It would be a disaster! How do I start?

A: A lot of children aren't used to occupying their own time. They're accustomed to being entertained by TV, computers, games, or being directed at school. You may need to start by supplying several good options, a book, a puzzle, and drawing paper. Tell your child they're going to have quiet time or independent study or personal time, or whatever you want to call it, and start with ten minutes and work your way up. You'll be surprised how creative they can be, even if the initial reaction is just to sit there!

Q: We don't allow TV or video games in our home, but when our child goes to visit other children, that's their primary activity. Any suggestions on how to handle that?

A: This is a great opportunity to start to teach children how to apply their own values in the world. If you feel strongly that they are not to watch TV at all, or perhaps certain shows, you may want to talk to the parents first. This depends on the age of your kids! A teenager is certainly not going to appreciate your calling his girlfriend's parents to tell them about your no TV rule :)

If you feel your child is old enough to say, "Let's do something else" or "I don't want to watch that," then let her stand up for herself. Children may end up in a difficult situation a time or two, but you can use it as a teaching tool. As much as we'd like to, we can't always be there with them, even when we home school!