MUM�S THE WORD

I have a problem that I need to solve. When I ask Mom for help, she gives me advice, but sometimes her advice doesn�t match with my feelings.

I should believe in Mom, and I want to do the right thing. But if I do something different, I want our good relationship to remain.

Pensinee Fuangfoowongrhat, Bangkok

One of the problems with asking for advice is that sometimes you�re going to hear something that you don�t like, Pensinee. Remember that opinions are like armpits: Everybody has them, and nobody thinks that theirs stink. The key to seeking advice is trusting who you�re asking to advise you. Your mom is surely looking out for your best interests when she gives you advice, so she�s pretty trustworthy. If your mom gives you advice that you don�t want to follow, ask yourself why that is. Is she being unreasonable? Are you? Maybe there�s some middle ground between her advice and what you want. And don�t worry too much about your relationship. If you feel comfortable enough to ask Mom for advice, your relationship is probably strong enough to stand up to a few disagreements. Good luck. � Editor

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I�m Nuch, and I�m 17 years old. I�m studying at Panatpittayakarn School in Chon Buri.

I am the vice-president of Or Yor Noi, a project from the Department of Public Health. It helps to protect consumers from toxins in food.

We provide students with knowledge about choosing merchandise and reading food labels. It helps them to realise the importance of food safety and cleanliness.

I hope you eat good food for your health. As the saying goes: �You are what you eat.�

Nuchjira Wongjittraporn, Chon Buri

That sounds like an interesting project, Nuch. Educating people about what�s in what they eat, how to store and handle food properly and how to stay healthy is extremely important. Keep up the good work. � Editor

GOOD LEADER

I�m in Matayom 6 at Prasatwitayakarn School in Surin. From October 2006 to November 2007, my school did not have a director. We had many problems with rubbish and bad behaviour.

When we got a new director, many things changed for the better. Students have better discipline, and they get better results.

We also had an English camp. Guests from the US joined us for a week. They stayed with host families so that we could exchange language and culture.

In December, I will be able to vote for the first time. I will vote for a good person to be the new prime minister. I hope that everyone votes for good people so that Thailand will be happy � like my school.

Tumakorn Ngokngam, Surin

Thanks for telling us about your school, Tumakorn. Leadership sets the tone for how things run in any organisation � from schools to clubs to governments. It�s important to have good leaders who are looking out for the best interests of the people who they are leading. � Editor


	remain (v): to still be in the same state or condition unreasonable (adj): not fair; expecting too much middle ground (n): a set of opinions, decisions, etc. that two or more groups who oppose each other can agree on consumer (n): a person who buys goods or uses services toxin (n): a poisonous substance, especially one that is caused by bacteria in plants and animals merchandise (n): goods that are bought and sold cleanliness (n): the state of being clean or the habit of keeping things clean rubbish (n): things that you throw away because you no longer want or need them

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