«When my teacher scolds me, I feel insecure»

«Why don't you ask Sarah?»

My teacher is very nice. I like her. But sometimes she scolds me when the children don't pay attention or talk. Then she gets very loud and strict. I often have trouble falling asleep in the evening. Can you help me?
Amina, 8

Dear Amina
I'm happy for you that you have a friendly teacher. If you like your teacher, you can learn much better and look forward to going to school, right? But there are obviously moments when your teacher shows a different side. She is then strict and gets louder than usual.

Fortunately, you have already told me why this is the case: your class is sometimes too loud in lessons. Unfortunately, there can be disruptive schoolchildren in every class. And every teacher will have to have a stern word with their pupils from time to time.

I don't suppose you 're one of those troublemakers, are you? I'm sure you always try hard to pay attention. Then of course it's unpleasant for you when you have to listen to your teacher's scolding. But she has to somehow restore calm and order. Otherwise she wouldn't be a good teacher, would she?

Your teacher probably doesn't realise that her harsh words are hitting you so hard.

Every teacher has their own methods. But please remember: the teacher's harsh words are definitely not aimed at you. They only apply to those children who keep talking and making noise or nonsense.

Have you talked to your parents about the fact that this is bothering you? I think that would be very important so that they know how you're doing at school and what's worrying you. They can certainly address this problem at the next parent-teacher conference. Your teacher probably doesn't realise that her harsh words are affecting you so much. Your parents could explain to her what this is doing to you. I'm sure that your teacher will take your worries seriously and come up with a solution.

A fantasy journey before going to sleep

Your friends could also help you if you confide in them. Maybe they feel the same way - just ask them. The next time your teacher scolds you, you can give each other a kind look to comfort and support each other.

If you have trouble falling asleep at night, a relaxing story - also known as a «fantasy journey» - could be helpful. Ask your parents to read you a story like this before you go to bed. This has a calming effect and makes you tired and content so that you can fall asleep straight away. Or have your parents massage your back with lavender oil - it's relaxing and does you good.

You can try something fun in the morning: Put on an «astronaut suit»! Here's how: before you go to school, imagine you're wearing a white astronaut suit with a hard hat. Slip your feet into the trouser legs, your arms into the sleeves, pull the zip up, put on the helmet and put on the boots and gloves. You have to do this with real body movements, as if it were really true.

This astronaut suit now protects you from all the things that bother or frighten you at school. Equipped like this, you can now head off to school. And don't forget: When you get home after school, you should take the suit off again - also with the right movements.

This method may sound funny, but it works surprisingly well. Just give it a try.

Good luck!