My efforts are not appreciated at all

Dear Counsellor, I AM a 12-year-old girl in P6. I have a problem with my mother. However hard I work at school, she only concentrates on the mistakes. She will never appreciate any little improvement I have shown in my class work. I feel so discouraged with my studies because I never seem to please her. What should I to make her understand that I am also a human being? N.J., Kampala.Dear N.J.,All human beings love being complimented for any work well done. At your age especially, being appreciated for improvements in your work, would help you to be confident and build self-esteem. Like many other parents, your mother may not have learnt the importance of identifying and complimenting a child’s improvements. She needs help. You can help her through a trained counsellor or a teacher you trust. Remember that your mother is also a human being who is not perfect. With help, she can change and learn how to appreciate your improvements. You could help your mother by showing her things that you do well. Show her homework that you did very well.