Dr. Yvonne Fournier

New Media on Ulitzer Dear Dr. Fournier: I almost don’t know where to start. We are exactly where we were this time last year. My son did not do so well this semester in school, even though he’s smart. He didn’t do well this past spring semester either or fall semester of last year.  And at this time last year, we made New Year’s resolutions. He promised to do better, hand in all his homework and bring up his C’s and D’s and his B’s and C’s. I had him write these down and sign the paper last year and I posted it on the refrigerator. I’m sure you see this coming: His resolutions are still on the refrigerator and he’s still making C’s and D’s and not doing and handing in all his homework. I am at my wit’s end and tired of the fighting. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.   Glenda M.  Tulsa, OK Dear Glenda: As the New Year begins, many families will make resolu... (more)

Take A Business Approach To Conferences

Dear Dr. Fournier: Report cards are out and I have just received my child's along with a note from his teacher requesting a parent-teacher conference. I've been here before. I remember my first time. I was happy to know the teacher wanted to work with me, but then I went to the meeting and it was horrible. I decided my child should be present, expecting we were ready for solutions. Instead, I sat stunned as she told me how horrible and terrible he was. She had only had him for a little over 6 weeks so how could she know this? I've had him for 11 years and I know he is a kind, car... (more)

Son’s Attitude Problems About School

Dear Dr. Fournier: My 10-year-old son is in the fourth grade. He has an attitude problem and I can't seem to get through to him. The teacher gave him two pages of rules to follow and he isn't following them. Furthermore, he refuses to write down things she tells him to write down, which are important. He doesn't want to study or do homework, especially his math homework. He's currently on fractions in school and not doing well. I try to correct his homework but I can't keep doing this or he won't learn. What am I to do with this child? Anne G. Jackson, MS   Dear Anne: When ch... (more)

Parents Mean Well But Could Do More Harm

Dear Dr. Fournier: School has started and after only a couple of weeks, my son is having trouble with homework. I do not want my wife and I to get into last year’s shouting matches with him. It seems like every time I try and help him, he gets angry and defensive. What can we do to get our son to let us help him with his homework? James C. Austin, TX Dear James: Many parents have heard their children in frustration say this about homework, “I don’t know how to do it!” The natural inclination of parents is to respond this way: “Then let me help you do it.” Unfortunately, thi... (more)

Senate Budget Panel OKs Slim Boost for Education

After a windfall in the stimulus bill, K-12 schools would see just a modest funding increase in fiscal 2010 under the U.S. Senate plan. ... (more)