Kathy started at my nursery school at the age of three. She settled into the group easily, and would be first on the slide and highest up the climbing frame. She could put on her coat without help and not only fasten her own buttons but other children’s too.

She was a lovely child but unfortunately a scratcher. If anyone upset her or stood in her way, her right hand would flash out fast and scratch down the face of her playmates. Children twice her age would fly in fear from her.

This must have been very rewarding for Kathy but obviously it had to be stopped. All the usual ways failed and then I remembered an account by G. Atkinson Highfield School, of how fights in the playground had been stopped. No punishment had been given, but the attacker had been ignored and the victims rewarded. So I decided to try out on Kathy.

With a pocketful of Smarties I followed Kathy around. She was so quick that it was impossible to prevent her scratching, but I was dertermined to stay within arm’s length all afternoon.

All was peaceful but then I saw Kathy’s hand moved and heard the scream. Gently I gathered up the little hurt one in my arms and said “Nice, nice sweetie” and then looked puzzled when she got nothing.

Soon came another scream, this time from John. While holding him in my arms, I said, “Look, Kathy, a nice Smartie for John” and put it into John’s mouth.

A smile of understanding flashed across Kathy’s face. Minutes later, she came to me and said loudly, “Give me a Smartie! I have hurt my finger!”

“No,” I replied, “you’ll get it if someone hurts you.”

On purpose, she turned and scratched a nearby boy, Tom, and waited quietly while I mothered and rewarded him, then she walked away.

She has never scratched a child since.

Parents who find older children bullying younger brothers and sisters might do well to replace shouting and punishment by rewarding and giving more attention to the injured ones. It’s certainly much easier and more effective.

Teeth are important. Strong, healthy teeth help you chew (咀嚼) foods that help you grow. They help you speak clearly. And yes, they help you look best. Here are some tips for you to take care of your teeth:

1. Brush your teeth the right way.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day—after breakfast and before bedtime. If you can, brush after lunch or after sweet snacks, too. Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones. Spend time brushing teeth along the sides and back of your mouth. Spend at least three minutes each time you brush. Play a song you like to help pass the time. Get a new toothbrush every three months. When you buy toothbrush, be sure it has soft bristles (鬃毛).

2. Learn how to floss (用牙线清洁牙齿) your teeth.

Flossing is a very important way to keep your teeth healthy. Food may hide between two teeth. Flossing can help get rid of (除去) it. You’ll need to floss your teeth at least once a day.

3. Have good eating habits.

You need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Eating sugar is a major cause of tooth decay (蛀牙). Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda (苏打).

Body language can reflect our confidence level. 【小题1】 and another way when we’re nervous. At a glance (看一眼), most people can tell if we’re confident or not. So we should learn some tips to show confidence through body language so that we always appear confident and ready.

【小题2】

The first tip to show confidence with body language is to keep your hands out of your pockets. We often put our hands in our pockets when we’re unsure of ourselves. And that’s how other people will view us.

Keep your eyes forward

【小题3】, it often feels natural to lower your head slightly and watch your step. However, this gesture communicates to others that you don’t want to interact. And if you’re not careful, you might get into the habit of doing it all the time. So keep your head up and your eyes forward, even when you’re walking down the street by yourself.

Smile

Try this as an experiment: Smile at someone as you pass by them on the street or walk around the office. 【小题4】. Now wouldn’t you like to have that effect on people all the time?

Firm handshakes

There are few things worse than reaching out your hand during an introduction and getting a handshake which is not firm enough. Don’t be that guy. Instead, hold the other person’s hand firmly and confidently. Of course, a handshake is not a contest. 【小题5】.