Page 42 - Highlights for Children (December 2017)

Dear

Highlights

My best friend
has an amazing

voice. The problem I enjoy helping out. How

is she doesn’t think can I become a better

it’s that good. How helper?
Cody (by e-mail)
can I convince her
Becoming a better helper is
to put herself a wonderful goal! If you look,

out there? you will see ways to help those
around you every day. Perhaps
Alexia (by e-mail)
your sibling could use help
studying, your parents could
Good friends are those who see and encourage the best in
use help preparing dinner,
one another. You might try letting your friend know how you
or a neighbor could use a
feel. You could say “I wish you could see what a talented singer
hand carrying groceries. Even
you are. I appreciate your voice, and I’ll be there to cheer you
on if you decide to put yourself out there.” something as simple as a smile
or a kind word can be helpful
You might also ask your friend if there are ways you can help to a friend in need.
her feel more comfortable sharing her talent, such as singing
You could also look into
along with her or acting as a practice audience. But keep in
other opportunities for helping
mind that you can’t force her to do anything she is not ready
in your community. Think about
to do. Make sure your friend knows that you will continue to
support her whether or not she decides to pursue singing. the talents and skills you have
to share. Would you be good at
activities such as doing outdoor
cleanup, tutoring, caring for
animals, fund-raising for charity,
A girl in my class or helping at a food bank? With
gets mad at me for your parents’ help, you might
reach out to local charities and
not agreeing with
volunteer organizations to see
her. What should I do? if they are in need of helpers.
F., California

You can’t make your
classmate change her ways,
but you can control the way you Write to us!
express hers. If she insists on
react to her. Try to be polite and Please include your name, age,
arguing, you might simply say
friendly toward her, and refuse and full address. Mail to
“I’d rather not argue about
to let her attitude upset you or Dear Highlights
it,” and walk away. In time,
make you feel less confident. 803 Church Street
she may come to understand
You are free to express your Honesdale, PA 18431
that it’s OK for friends to Or e-mail us at Letters@Highlights.com.
opinion, just as she is free to have different opinions.
42 DECEMBER 2017 Art by Keith Frawley.