FLATMATES NEED TO AGREE ON THE RULES, AND PARENTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE KIDS TO STAY ON AT SCHOOL, SAYS NENE
QI live in a share house and one of my flatmates takes very long showers on a daily basis – up to about 20 minutes. It’s even worse when the weather’s warm – in the height of summer she often takes two or three showers a day. Not only does it mean the rest of us have to wait to get into the bathroom, but it must be costing us a bomb in gas and water bills. Do you think it’s reasonable for us to suggest a time limit on showers? JUDY, VIA EMAIL.
AThis calls for a sit-down with all the flatmates. Restrictions need to be put on the length of daily showers, especially if someone is taking two or three a day. Voice your concern at the strain it puts on gas and water bills. You all need to agree on a time limit for each shower. You are in a share situation and everyone should be on the same page.
QI’m really worried that my 15-year-old daughter might be suffering from bulimia. She’s started getting very secretive about her eating habits, and I’ve noticed that she often heads off to the bathroom after meals. I did bring it up with her, but she says there’s no problem. What can I do? FRAN, VIA EMAIL.
AIt’s very important to keep an eye on your daughter. Is she losing weight? Is she picking at her food and requesting low-calorie meals? She tells you she is fine. It’s obvious that she doesn’t want to discuss the subject, so you may need to seek professional advice on how to proceed. The Butterfly Foundation specialises in eating disorders – have a look at their website, thebutterflyfoundation. org.au or call them on their national helpline, 1800 33 4673. If you’d prefer, you can also email or chat to someone online.
QMy husband and I scrimped and saved to send our daughter to a private school, but now she’s in Year 11 and saying she wants to leave school and get a job. I keep telling her that there are very few jobs on offer for someone with no qualifications, but she doesn’t seem interested in staying on. Have you any suggestions for how to persuade her that it’s in her best interest to stay at school and hopefully go on to uni? MANDY, VIA EMAIL.
AWhen I was in Year 11 I desperately wanted to leave school and work. However, my parents insisted I go to university. At the time I was consumed with anger. Today I am so grateful that they saw me off to university. Your daughter has no qualifications and could end up flipping burgers. Be strong. My parents promised me an overseas trip if I stayed at school. Perhaps you can think of something tempting to encourage your daughter to continue her studies.