Dear Student Mom,

Recently a fellow student called me at home to ask me the answers on an online test. I was really shocked. Another student in our class had already given her some of the answers. I did not want to be rude and I want to fit in so I told her that I did not know the answers - even though I did. How should I handle this if it happens again?

Puzzled in Paradise

Dear Puzzled,

Why are you puzzled? Cheating is bad news. Some call it "sharing the answers" but unless your teacher expressly says that you can work together on a project, don't do it. Colleges have very strict rules regarding cheating, usually resulting in failure of the class and sometimes expulsion. Now how hard would THAT be to explain to your kids? I realize that at times there seems like a culture of cheating at the college level (copying each other's homework and the like) but that is not something you want to be involved in. Instead use this as an opportunity to mentor this student and help them find the answer on their own. If you don't have time, refer them to the learning center. Just make it clear, in a nice way, you don't cheat. Good Luck!

StudentMom

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Level with your child by being honest. Nobody spots a phony quicker than a child
-Mary MacCracken