DEAR ABBY: I am an elementary school teacher in a suburban area of a large metropolitan city. I have a good student I'll call Judy who is in training to become a hypochondriac. This little girl misses approximately 25 percent of school days in any given month. She complains of migraines, stomach flu and colds, and has been plagued by numerous injuries. She stays home for minor ailments that I would send my own kids to school with.
Judy has learned to enjoy the attention she receives from her "illnesses" and "injuries" and plays them like an accomplished actress. Her parents seem to be conscientious about her schooling, and her assignments are always completed at home. Her stay-at-home mother dotes excessively on her daughter's complaints and encourages this negative behavior. This could well become a lifelong behavior trait for Judy. Should I continue to overlook the obvious as long as the child's assignments are completed, or should I bring up this subject with Judy's mother? -- TEACHER IN TEXAS
DEAR TEACHER: Is it possible that something is going on at school that is causing Judy's excessive absenteeism -- like teasing, bullying or some other social problem?
The mother should be made aware that her daughter's absences are excessive, if she doesn't already know it. You would be doing Judy and her mother a favor by bringing your concerns forward in a parent-teacher meeting.