Is it right that my sons' science teacher tells him that he will die by the age of 21 ? ?

Question

Because of globle warming.
she also has him believeing in alians, He says that she said " out of all the planets in the unaverse, Do u really think we are the only ones?"
MY son loves science but i just don't know if what to do, I tell him not to worry so much at this age,(10) that he is too young to worry about earthquakes, tsunamies,hurricanes,and dieing at 21. Somtimes,he can't sleep at night and there in the day he worries a lot and asks 1000 quetions to our family.
we love the fact that he loves science, we also know that the teacher is a science teacher and that is her jub to teach him about science, but to me i just don't want my son to always be scared that somthing is going to happen where we live.IDK, any advice??
thank u!

Answer 1

When I was in school we were told that the year 2000 would never happen. Maybe you need to talk to his teacher though and tell her she should not tell her students that. Some may have emotional issues and will never forget what she says.

Answer 2

1) Be sure your son is repeating things accurately. Many is the time I have heard such outrageous claims "from the mouths of babes," when in fact what the teacher said was "Some scientists predict that by 2017, global warming will make the world nearly uninhabitable, killing most species now on the Earth. Let's see, in 2017, how old will you guys be? Do you think that could happen?"

2) As a teacher, I throw out some of my opinions (I ripped a student wide open for laughing about "bum fights" while we were reading about the Holocaust), but I encourage them to challenge my ideas. I know that I have "the upper hand," but pre-teens and teenagers are still forming opinions. If Sr. Science Teacher was just opening up the possibility that aliens exist, what's the harm, as long as your child doesn't degenerate into a helpless blob of fear over impending alien attacks? If he can still function--as well as any 10 year old, that is--then I wouldn't worry too much about these fears.

3) If this truly bothers you, be sure your son gets your opinions on these matters, too. Give him enough "evidence" so he can weigh your side against Teacher's. An open mind is not a bad thing!

Answer 3

Saying this: Do u really think we are the only ones?" Produces thinking in the childs mind, she didnt say aliens exist, go and prove it to me as a homework assignment. The teacher allowed the freedomt to think about new possibilites I have done that with excellent results.

About going to die at 21 i dont know if is accurate or some understanding problem if she is a science teacher she works with data facts not about predicting everyones future. I will ask again about this, in case this is correct, is a good time to explain him that even with teachers not ever word they say may be true, we must believe and trust sometimes other´s and the fact she has an oppinion about death at 21 years doesnt mean is correct, is excellent time to explain the validity and truth of words

Answer 4

It's in the news, in the media everywhere, but you're gonna pick on one teacher?! Are you saying that we should not teach children about tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes? What do you say when a tsunami photos are on the TV? That it is unproven!?
She asks a thought provoking question and you flip out.. just like the people on more than half the answers you got!
10 year old take things literally and ( don't always quote things 100% accurately), in fact we all would unless someone came around and tried to get us to think outside our own little protective world of our families and cell phones. Answer all 1000 of his questions, or show him how to research the answers himself.Write the teacher a thank you note for being brave enough to ask questions which obviously has got your son interested!
90% of our in services at school is on how to motivate kids- here's a teacher motivating, sharing current events and all it gets is criticism and complaints!

Answer 5

Personally, I do not believe that what she is doing can be called "teaching." Can she prove her theories? No... therefore, she should not be telling him or anyone else that they will not live to be twenty-one years old. In fact, she may kill his love for learning and everyone else's in that class if they start living according to her theory. Why learn or put forth any effort today... for tomorrow we die!

Anyways, I would definitely make sure that her superiors are aware of her "theories" and see if they are willing to help you find a solution. Further, I would locate books on global warming that disprove her theory and have him read them with you. Also, don't be scared to tell your son that not all teachers are "good teachers" or know everything... otherwise, he will become too trusting in what they say since they are the "teacher."

Moreover, I personally would request that my son or daughter was removed from this classroom and placed in a different setting since this is upsetting him so much and affecting his attitude toward education. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution.

Answer 6

Telling your child he will die by 21 is kind of scary, and I would have to agree that that is not appropriate. However, I see nothing wrong with anything else the teacher has said. You cannot protect your child forever, he needs to learn the truth about life. If his being scared lasts too long then perhaps he has anxiety issues. When I was 8 and I learned that we lived ON the earth, not IN the earth, I was scared for a little while...I imagined floating off into space! But I got over it. It was an eye-opening experience which is what your son needs.

Answer 7

Time to go and have a nice long chat with the science teacher and explain the effect her teaching is having on your son and if possible have HER allay your sons fears.

It may be your son is not understanding all the teacher is saying or it may be that the teacher is somewhat on the paranoid side.

You will figure this out very soon during an interview with her, then if its the latter, you can make an appointment to see the head teacher and voice your concerns. I rather doubt he/she will be at all impressed that children are being taught such radical "facts".

Answer 8

The science teacher actually told your son that he'll die at the age of 21 due to global warming? That teacher must be wack! Science teachers are suppose to teach science, not "predict" someone's death.
And believing in aliens? ...Well, I guess we might not be the only people in the world, but aliens?

Just tell your son the truth. He's not going to die at the age of 21. As for the aliens... they don't exactly exist, but why ruin his imagination? Get him to relax and to stop worrying that something bad is going to happen. He's too young for it.

Answer 9

Your son sounds exceptionally sensitive, which is common among the most gifted and talented students. Special care should be taken that he finds dependable answers to all his questions so he is not afraid there are none. For kids this sensitive, it is very important that everyone they respect is on the same page so he maintains his trust and is not confused by mixed messages.

I urge you to meet with the teacher and agree how to talk about these things in as positive a light as possible. If he knows he can ask you and the teacher anything, and the common goal is to keep working at it until you get consistent answers, he will have more trust in the research process, not less.

Even if you don't all agree yet, if you agree to keep researching together, and to be encouraging and not afraid, he will see this process of questioning and solving problems as a good thing and nothing to be frightened of.

Especially if the teacher is pointing out problems, the focus should be equally on finding solutions. What positive things are people doing to improve the environment, to conserve natural resources? If people's collective thoughts affect the world, what are people doing to think more positive constructive thoughts instead of holding on to hateful negative thinking that lead to disasters?

If all his worst fears can be refocused on researching solutions to the world's problems, there is no harm in that. That is the job for scientists and philosophers alike.

Again, your son sounds like he has great potential to think very deeply and seriously about the human condition. He should always be praised and rewarded for this. I would encourage him to keep looking until he finds good practical solutions to pursue that solve the very problems he is worried about.

I would encourage you to contact home schooling resources, MENSA, or science or space museums or centers, to find him an outlet to explore his unanswered questions. He sounds very gifted to me.

Answer 10

I say this teacher is a bit off her rocker. I would ask for him to be moved to another class. Nothing is worse than a Tecaher that tried to throw their beliefs and uses scare tactics with kids. I am wondering how many of the other parents are having problems with this teacher. Ask some of the other parents. maybe you can all ban together and go and let the Principal know. The Principal may be unaware of what is going on. You need to step up and take charge of your son's education. He is too young to take care of this problem himself. It is your duty to protect him and make sure that he is in a safe and nuturing environment. It is your own fault if you don't speak up and do something about it.

Answer 11

NO I would complain to the School Board.
My son somtimes has the same problem when discovery channel as been on too much,he also loves science,I let him know that there is a god who not only cares about him but mankind in general and then i tell him that to help[ stop global warming he can do things like plant trees and recycle the newspapers not only does he get more science experance but it helps with his fears as well.