Children do not respond well to criticism

The Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver came across a few problems recently in his quest to educate some of the underprivileged children in the UK. His new TV program Jamies Dream School which features what are supposed to be some of the best teachers and brains in the United Kingdom had a big issue when the renowned historian Dr David Starkey called one of the pupils fat!

Dr David Starkey started a war of words when he told a boy of 18 that he was 'so fat' that he 'couldn't really move'. The boy didn't take the insult likely and hurled a few of his own insults back at the historian.

Jamie's Dream School has enlisted the help of Rolf Harris, Alastair Campbell and Lord Winston in an attempt to prove that it is possible to motivate and engage with young people who are considered unteachable and destined for failure in whatever they do.

Dr David Starkey probably thought that he was doing the poor lad a favour by insulting him about his weight thinking that he might go and do something about it and lose weight, but he could not be more wrong. While it is obvious that David Starkey has plenty of knowledge about history he is greatly lacking in motivational skills and he will definitely have a problem getting any historical information to stick in this boys brain now.

Parents and teachers should be aware that commenting on childrens weight especially in front of their peers is a big mistake even if they do it in a gentle way. The only way to talk to children about losing weight is extremely sympathetically and on a one to one basis. Children do not respond well to criticism and are far more likely to do something about their weight if you can motivate them and help them with a positive attitude.

Jamie Oliver was said to be pretty upset about the insult from Dr Starkey and said that it was completely inappropriate.'