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About Dr. M and Molly
Dr. M is the author of five advice books, including Getting to Know the Real You: 50 Fun Quizzes Just for Girls, and Girls: What's So Bad About Being Good? How to Have Fun, Survive the Preteen Years, and Remain True to Yourself, both written with her teenage daughter. Dr. M shares this advice column with Molly, a middle school student who loves to play soccer, dance, write and spend time with her friends.
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ASK DR. M -- Answers
Feelings
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Dear Dr. M and Molly,
Whatever I do, I'm worried about what others think. I always think about if other people will like it, or if other kids will tease me about it. I hate when other people see my work. I barely allow myself to let my teachers see it. How can I stop worrying about what other people think.
—Kara, 10, Georgia
Illustration of Dr. M
Dr. M's Answer

Dear Kara,
You are so concerned about what others think that you're not thinking enough about how you feel. It sounds to me like you need a confidence booster. Try imagining what it feels like to be proud of your work. When you use your ability and work hard at an assignment, remind yourself to tell yourself that you did a good job. From time to time, others might be critical. If their criticism is helpful, use it to learn to do something better. But, when someone teases you, try not to take those comments to heart. What really counts is how you see yourself.

Illustration of Liz
Liz's Answer
Dear Kara,
I know that fitting in is important, but you need to be independent at the same time. Just be yourself and try not to focus on what others think. The more you think about it, the worse you will feel. Always act strong and confident. Even if you are a little unsure of something, don't doubt your abilities to do things right. If you appear to be weak, others might take advantage of you. My advice is just to relax.
 
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