Pill Problems

I found some pills under my brother’s mattress.

I’m not sure what they are. If I tell my mom, she might be mad at me for going through his room.

Even though your mom might get mad at you for snooping around in your brother’s room, you must put his health and safety first. ’Fess up and tell your mom what you found. It’s up to her to handle the situation from there.

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BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/5/2009 7:00:00 AM 34 COMMENTS

A Clingy Friend

When I make a new friend, my BFF takes it personally. She says, “You’d rather talk to her than to me!” and stays mad for several days.

What should I do?

Clinger alert! Having a clingy friend is a compliment to how great you are to hang with, but it can be frustrating. If she panics when you hang with new people, tell her it doesn’t minimize your friendship. In fact, it might make it more fun.

Include her in some plans with new friends so she won’t feel left out. If she still overreacts, distance yourself from her controlling ways—and tell her why. No one should be limited to one friend.

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BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/29/2009 7:00:00 AM 66 COMMENTS

So Desperate for a Cell!

I really want a cell phone, but my parents refuse. I’ve tried everything. They say they trust me but just don’t want me to have one.

How can I persuade them to get me one?

Pinpoint the precise reasons your parents don’t want you having a cellie. Are they worried you’ll spend time chatting or texting instead of doing homework? Do they want to track who’s calling you to make sure you stay out of trouble? Once you know their concerns, try to reach an agreement. Maybe you’ll only turn your cell on when you’re out (mention that they’ll always be able to reach you!), talk for a set amount of time per day or let your parents monitor who you’ve been talking to.

If you’re willing to compromise, your parents might come around. It’s possible, though, that they can’t fit it into their budget. If that’s the case, have patience and, for now, enjoy the feeling of not being connected 24/7.

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BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/22/2009 7:00:00 AM 107 COMMENTS

Li'l Sis is Acting Out

My little sister throws tantrums. If she doesn’t get her way, she hits or kicks me. It doesn’t hurt, but it gets annoying.

I talked to my mom about this and my sister stopped for a while, but she’s started back up again. Help.

Over time, your sister is likely to grow out of throwing such baby-fied temper tantrums. But these episodes are bothering you now and making it tough to get along with sis. Hitting and kicking simply aren’t acceptable behaviors—even if it doesn’t hurt. Talk to your mom again. Let her know how you feel when your sister acts like this. It’s her responsibility as a parent to discipline your sister.

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BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/15/2009 7:00:00 AM 95 COMMENTS