1. How to Handle a Bully
Stand up for yourself in appropriate ways
DO
Stand proud.
Make eye contact.
In a calm and assertive tone, tell the person who is bullying you to stop.
Walk away.
DON'T
Put yourself down by saying "I'm a loser" or "Everyone hates me."
Ignore the bullying.
Escalate the situation by matching the bullying behavior.
Use your power in a negative way to stop the bullying.
Figure out your choices
DO
Think about different ways to handle it (humor sometimes works but it could also
make the situation worse. Trust your instincts to help you decide).
Avoid unsafe situations, and identify a safe place you can go to if you are being
bullied.
Realize that it's not worth getting hurt to save possessions.
DON'T
Suffer in silence.
USE
Problem-solving skills to figure out how to resolve the situation.

2. How to Handle Homework
1. First, be sure you understand the assignment. Write it down in your notebook or day planner if you
need to, and don't be afraid to ask questions about what's expected. It's much easier to take a minute
to ask the teacher during or after class than to struggle to remember later that night! If you want, you
can also ask how long the particular homework assignment should take to complete so you can budget
your time.
2. Second, use any extra time you have in school to work on your homework. Many schools have
study halls that are specifically designed to allow students to study or get homework done. It's
tempting to hang out with friends during study periods or unstructured time, but the more work you
can get done in school, the less you'll have to do that night.
3. Third, pace yourself. If you don't finish your homework during school, think about how much you
have left and what else is going on that day, and then budget your time. Most high-school students
have between 1 and 3 hours of homework a night. If it's a heavy homework day and it seems like
you've got an assignment in every subject but gym and lunch, you'll need to devote more time to
homework. It's a good idea to come up with some kind of homework schedule, especially if you are
involved in sports or activities or have an after-school job.
Other Key Tips:
Watch Where You Work: When you settle down to do homework or to study, where do you
do it? Parked in front of the TV? In the kitchen, with the sound of dishes being cleared and your
brothers and sisters fighting?These places may have worked when you were younger and your
assignments didn't require as much skill and concentration. But now that you're older, a bedroom,
study, or any other room where you can get away from noise and distractions is the best place to get
homework done. But don't study on your comfy bed — opt for a desk or table that you can set your
computer on and is comfortable to work at. It doesn't need to be large, just big enough to spread out
your stuff.
Get to Work: When you start your homework, tackle the hardest assignments first. It's tempting
to start with the easy stuff to get it out of the way, but you'll have the most energy and focus when
you begin, so it's best to use this mental power on the subjects that are most challenging. Later, when
you're more tired, you can focus on the simpler things.If you get stuck on a problem, try to figure it
out as best you can — but don't obsess and spend too much time on it because this can mess up your
homework schedule for the rest of the night. If you need to, ask an adult or older sibling for help or
call or email a classmate for advice. But don't pick someone you'll be up all night chatting with or
you'll never get it done!
Take a Break: Most people's attention spans aren't very long, so take some breaks while doing
your homework. Sitting for too long without stretching or relaxing will make you less productive than
if you stop every so often. Taking a 15-minute break every hour is a good idea for most people. (But if
you're really concentrating, wait until it's a good time to stop.

3. How to Handle Your Parents
As a teenager, you are learning to become more independent, and this may be why there is friction in your
house.
As you and your parents adjust to your new independent self, the fighting will decrease.
Make a list of the things that you and your parents fight about the most.
Identify what it is that gets you so upset or angry - are you mad that your parents disagree with you, or are you
upset that they can't/won't see your point of view?
Decide on a FAIR compromise - a resolution that you can live with and that you think your parents' will accept.
NOTE: A compromise means you give up some of your demands - it does not mean that you get your way.
Write down your proposed compromise and read it aloud at least three times to see how it sounds.
Set up a time to talk to your parents, do not just bring it up over dinner but make an actual appointment and tell
them that you have an important proposal to make.
Bring your notes with you to the meeting so you can stay on track if/when emotions get high. You may even
want to consider reading the note to your parents like a speech.
Before talking to your parents, take a few deep breaths and think calming thoughts. Make a promise to yourself
that you will not raise your voice or get angry even if your parents "turn up the volume."
When you have presented your case take another deep breath and let your parents talk. Really listen to what
your parents have to say. Even if you do not like what they are saying hold back your anger and keep your ears
and mind open.
Avoid shutting down or growing frustrated. Avoid interrupting them or jumping in with a rebuttal. Just listen and
absorb what they say.
If your parents reject your proposal, stay focused and avoid getting emotional. Thank them for their time and
express your disappointment that you could not reach a compromise.
If your parents accept your proposal, be grateful and assure them that you will not let them down. Then do
everything necessary to show them they made the right decision in going along with you.
Whatever the outcome, be sure to do what your parents ask of you. By going along with their wishes you build
trust and show your maturity which in turn may make them more willing to relax their stand at a future date.
If the topic is a very sensitive one and you still can't see eye to eye, ask your parents what they need from you in
order for them to consider your proposal.
Make a vow to give them what they need and ask them if you can agree to revisit the subject in a few weeks
time.If the outcome disappoints you, do not throw a fit. Go to your room and write your feelings in a journal or
go outside and ride your bike or punch a pillow to blow off steam