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www.insidehalton.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 14, 2017 | 42 Online registration back open for a limited time. Fall Registration When your teen wants to drop out How would you react if your teen suddenly announced they were dropping out of school? Would you be surprised? Angry? Worried? A mix of all three? One thing's for sure: if ever you do find yourself in a similar situation, the best immediate course of action is to remain calm. Forget the sanctimonious speeches and keep an open mind. After all, it's never too late for your teen to reconsider. Always encourage your children to voice their concerns by inquiring about their well-being: What's wrong? How are you feeling? What are you having trouble with? Let them talk and listen attentively without interrupting or passing judgment. Most importantly, never pressure your child with ultimatums. Remember, nobody decides to drop out of school overnight. In fact, there were probably several signs that, in retrospect, should have raised a red flag; for example, failing grades, lack of motivation, incomplete assignments, bad classroom behaviour, disagreements with teachers, etc. Never assume your teen is the only one to blame. Could it be that they've been the victim of bullying? Always try to identify the source of the problem to better guide your approach. For example, if your child has a learning disability, consider a personalized mentoring program. If they don't have many friends, suggest they get involved in an extracurricular activity. Whatever the situation, always ask your troubled teen how you could be of help, and take the time to explore all possible options together -- it's your best chance at keeping them in school. In the end, what if your teen decides to drop out anyway? Encourage them to take up a new hobby -- like volunteer work or music lessons -- to foster positive experiences and bolster their selfesteem. Remaining optimistic is the best way to show your support and (hopefully) inspire your child to go back to school. (NPT) Advertorial "WHERE DANCERS' DREAMS COME TRUE" DANCE Professional Curric ulum for Ac robatic Danc e ROYAL ACADEMY OF Celebrating 5 Years of Artistic Excellence JOin us fOR OuR OPen hOuse satuRDay sePtembeR 9th 10am-2Pm RegisteR Online fOR OuR exciting Dance PROgRams. classes OffeReD tO bOth RecReatiOnal anD cOmPetitive stuDents in: Register for the 2017/2018 season. Hurry spots fill up fast. Minor Midget and Minor Peewee over 99% full - walk in registration only. All other divisions open for online registration at oakvillerangers.ca but space is filling up fast. Thank you Oakville for voting us Platinum for Best Children's Dance Instruction · · · · · · · · Jazz · Tap RAD Ballet Acro · Hip Hop Lyrical Contemporary Little Wiggles Creative Starz Breakdancing and Boyz Only Hip Hop DIAMOND Classes offered for ages 18 months - adult PLATINUM Boys Dance ½ price their first year MOHA is a member association of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Canada. All coaches are OMHA certified (905) 827-7771 www.livetodanceacademy.ca 2210 Speers Road, Unit 1-3 (between 3rd line & Bronte Rd.)