Page 48 - American Girl (January - February 2019)
P. 48
Dear American Girl, Dear American Girl, Dear American Girl,
After school, I get distracted, I just got a phone, and I love I love to decorate, organize,
and then I start my homework it. There are some apps and garden, and cook. Kids at my
late. How can I block off all games that scare me, but a school call me “Mom,” and it
the distractions so I can get lot of kids at my school use really hurts my feelings. How
things done? them. Should I do those things can I make them stop?
on my phone to fit in?
Afer a long day of learning, it’s only It sounds like your schoolmates don’t
natural to need a bit of a break, so Phones are not only a lot of fun but understand your interests. Instead of
take one. But it’s easy to get side- also a big responsibility. Part of that taking offense to being called
tracked by all the fun ways to stay responsibility is keeping yourself “Mom,” embrace your talents by
entertained. To get back on track, safe in the digital world. Technology telling them, “This is how I express
set a timer for 30 minutes and pick offers freedom that you don’t always myself.” Invite some kids over to bake
one or two activities to do during have in your real life, and that means cupcakes for a school sale. Present a
that time. When time’s up, put the you have to be smart about how you science project about plant life. Pair
activities aside and focus on your use it. If something seems scary to up with a friend and volunteer to
homework. You could also ask your you, listen to the wise voice inside design the classroom bulletin board.
parents to help out—they can call or you and skip it or talk to your Or help a classmate organize her
text you to check on your progress. parents about it. When it comes to locker. Once they see how much fun
Plan a special activity to do only apps and games, stick to what you your DIY world can be, a lot of kids
after your work is done. You’ll finish like and don’t cave in to digital peer will probably want to join “Mom’s”
in no time! pressure. family.
46 americangirlmagazine.com
