KIDS ASK PEGGY: STUDY PARTNERS MIGHT DO THE TRICK WITH SCIENCE GRADE

Dear Peggy,

I'm doing bad in science. The more I study, the more I forget. Now I'm in big trouble because my grade dropped.

Signed, G.W.

Dear G.W.,

Find a study partner or partners and get together one or two days a week. Studying out loud with another person makes it easier in remembering the material. You may also want to approach your science teacher and see if she has any suggestions for bringing your grade up. Offer to do extra credit.

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Dear Peggy,

I am twelve years old and think I am old enough to wear makeup. All my friends get to wear it but my mom won't let me. She said not until I'm in high school. Please help!

Signed, Barefaced

Dear Barefaced,

Sounds like a similar problem in our household. I made a compromise with my daughter after speaking with a beauty consultant. Her philosophy for girls your age is "less is best." There are a couple products which are good for your age group, colors which are very natural looking in a blush and lipstick. Eye makeup, liners, mascara, and shadows should be worn when you are older. I do suggest that together, you and your mom talk with a makeup consultant. Perhaps you will be able to work out a compromise which will suit both of you.

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Dear Peggy,

I have a problem. Every time I want to go somewhere my Mom says "no," or always has to talk to the other parents. It bugs me because I think I'm old enough to just go without so many questions from my Mother!

Sincerely, Having Problems

Dear Having Problems,

We mothers can be "pains" at times, can't we? Truth of the matter is, we love our kids and care for their well-being. Sometimes though, it is difficult for us to loosen the reins and allow our kids more freedom.

Have you talked this over with your mom? Perhaps you can negotiate a deal. For example, calling her after you arrive at a friends house to let her know you made it; or telling her the EXACT time you will be home. You need to begin working on ways for her to develop trust in you. She needs to see that you are growing into responsible, independent young man. But a great deal depends on your attitude and how you approach her. Always be willing to compromise with your mom, and do it in a calm, polite manner.

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Dear Peggy,

I'm writing about basketball. I have a problem scoring baskets in a game, but I never have difficulties at home. My parents are getting a new backboard and putting it higher. What else could I do to improve.

Your friend, B-Ball

Dear B-Ball,

I spoke with a grade school basketball coach to get some tips on helping you. He told me that the legal height of a rim is ten feet. If you have been playing on one at home that is lower, then your scoring of baskets in a game would be off. So getting a higher backboard will definitely help.

He said that 70 percent of shooting is believing you can put the ball into the basket. You need to work on building your confidence. Some ways he suggested doing that was to stop worrying HOW the shot looks and just concentrate on the rhythm of it. Get into a routine where your shot becomes automatic to you. The look of your shot will improve as you get older.

While at home, try practicing with friends. Play an actual game so that you can work on building your confidence while being guarded. During times when there is no one to play with, he suggest you pretend in your mind to be playing a game, don't just shoot around. He said a lot of pros practice by creating an actual game in their mind. Ask your dad to measure the distance to practice shooting from the foul line which is 15 feet from the backboard. Also have him measure out five and ten feet shots, which is where most of the shooting of your age group occurs.

He said some of his poor shooters improved tremendously just by believing they could do it. He said there are a lot of techniques, but the bottom line is working on building your confidence and practice is the key to that. Good luck this season.