Thursday, June 29, 2006
Summer School and Physical Abuse
Dear Guidance Guy,
I am failing history right now and I really want to take summer school. My mom is super angry at me as well. She is physically abusing me bacause I am failing. How do I deal with this situation?
JC
*****
Dear JC,
If your mother (or anyone else) is physically abusing you, that is the first issue that must be dealt with. If school is still in session you need to talk with your guidance counselor, assistant principal or principal. You can speak with your teacher as well, although the counselor and principals have special training in this area. They will do whatever is necessary to make sure you are safe.
If school is over and you don't have a school official to talk with, call the police. No one has the right to be physically abusive toward their child, and no child has to put up with being physically abused. You will need to be very specific about what the abuse is. You need to describe if and how you're being hit, when and where it's happening and what kind of injuries you are getting.
As far as the history course, taking it in summer school seems like a good idea. Some school districts don't give their students a choice - they have to take a failed class over again during the summer. Talk with a school counselor about what's best for you...AFTER you tell about the physical abuse.
Thanks for an important letter,
The Guidance Guy
I am failing history right now and I really want to take summer school. My mom is super angry at me as well. She is physically abusing me bacause I am failing. How do I deal with this situation?
JC
*****
Dear JC,
If your mother (or anyone else) is physically abusing you, that is the first issue that must be dealt with. If school is still in session you need to talk with your guidance counselor, assistant principal or principal. You can speak with your teacher as well, although the counselor and principals have special training in this area. They will do whatever is necessary to make sure you are safe.
If school is over and you don't have a school official to talk with, call the police. No one has the right to be physically abusive toward their child, and no child has to put up with being physically abused. You will need to be very specific about what the abuse is. You need to describe if and how you're being hit, when and where it's happening and what kind of injuries you are getting.
As far as the history course, taking it in summer school seems like a good idea. Some school districts don't give their students a choice - they have to take a failed class over again during the summer. Talk with a school counselor about what's best for you...AFTER you tell about the physical abuse.
Thanks for an important letter,
The Guidance Guy
