Questions & Answers

Hey Terra,

I am 14 years old and I know that's not that old, but my mom and step-dad (who I don't like AT ALL since Kindergarten) treat me like I'm still 9 years old. They never want to let me go out with my friends, and if I do when I come home, which is always at the right time, they start fussing and screaming at me and won't let me go out again for a really long time. They know that I am an excellent student with the maturity level of a 16 year old, but still they act that way. I mean most of my friends have even tried smoking(!) and I have always said "NO!" when they offered, and I haven't even been French kissed yet!

I don't know what to do. My WHOLE summer is ruined because I got grounded for my friend -- NOT ME -- going with a guy to the movies that my mom had never heard of! It's all just getting too overwhelming and I don't know who to talk to considering I have my phone privileges taken away and can't go to any friend's house. I feel like I'm going to burst!

I tried talking to them about it, but they started yelling ALOT! Please help me I just want to talk to someone about this.

Lost Puppy

Dear Lost Puppy,

I strongly suggest that you talk to your mom (hopefully you and she get along better than you do with your step-dad) and tell her how you have been feeling lately. Be honest (and calm) when you talk to her. You might say something like this: "Mom, I have been feeling really sad about all the yelling that's going on between us. I feel bad that you don't seem to trust me even though I am mature and get good grades and make good choices. Can we please talk about this because it's making me feel very unhappy and distant from you."

If that doesn't help start a heart to heart conversation, then talk to the school counselor. Hopefully he/she can help you cope and maybe get your parents involved in family counseling.

I hope this helps.

In friendship,

Terra

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