What Kids Learn: Not everyone understands technology as well as you do.

Be patient with friends and family members who ask for help.

Provide details and specifics when talking to tech newbies.

Be discreet about food dislikes.

For every good example Gallant sets, Goofus also teaches by example. After all, learning what not to do is an important lesson too.

See if you and your school-age child can recall times when he behaved like Goofus or Gallant, in situations similar to those depicted in the stories here. You can find Goofus and Gallant on page 10 of the March 2018 issue of Highlights or you can read the recaps below. Then, use the prompts that follow to continue a conversation with your child.

Recap 1: Goofus is annoyed when his dad struggles when learning how to use a computer. Gallant is patient as he shows a senior citizen how a tablet works.

Q’s to ask your child:

Why might it be difficult for an older person to learn how to use computers, smartphones, and tablets? If you volunteered to teach technology to someone older, what would you try to keep in mind? Have you ever lost patience trying to explain something to someone? What were you trying to explain and what went wrong? How did you feel about your behavior later? What’s the last thing someone taught you? What’s the last thing you taught someone else? Why do you think Goofus felt frustrated? What could Goofus have said or done instead?

Recap 2: Goofus tosses food he doesn’t like or want at his dinner companion. Gallant quietly sets aside items he doesn’t like.

Q’s to ask your child: