Dear Shayna B.,

I think it’s really cool that we have the same name. I even have another friend who’s also named Shayna!!!

I got a fish and I named it Sparky. It was very pretty and friendly. One day I woke up and Sparky was floating at the top of the tank. I asked my parents what happened, and they told me that Sparky had drowned. I was really confused because my science teacher told me that fish can’t drown. I figured out that my little brother poured all of the food in the tank and Sparky died. I don’t like that my parents lied to me. It made me angry. I want to tell them that it hurt my feelings, but I’m too scared. Please help me. What should I do?

Sincerely,

Fishless Shayna

Dear Fishless Shayna,

Your parents had no right to lie to you, but l think they were just covering for your little brother. Again, they still had no right to lie to you. You have a little brother who probably doesn’t 100 percent understand what he’s doing just by what you told me. When l was younger l had a fish, and my sister knocked down the fish’s bowl. So l can kind of relate. 2 Shaynas. 2 dead fish.

What you should do is say to your parents, “Mommy, Daddy did _ (name of brother) pour all of the food into my fish tank?” And they will most likely say yes. Then you ask (this is a good time to ask as they will feel guilty) “I’m disappointed, but can you guys get me a new fish?” And if you don’t like your new fish, there are many other fish in the sea!

Best of luck,

Shayna B.

Last week’s word scramble was…Where’s My Invite? This week’s word scramble is…

EDAD SIHF

Shayna is a fifth grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.