DAUGHTER OFFERED DRUGS BY PAL

Dear Coleen

My daughter, who’s 18, went to a music festival recently with a few of her friends from sixth form. It was her first time doing something like this, but she’s a very sensible girl so my husband and I completely trusted her.

When she came home she admitted that a couple of her friends had been taking drugs – pills apparently. Though my daughter was offered them, she declined, which I’m really proud of her for.

The thing is, one of the girls who supplied the drugs is a very good friend of hers – they’ve known each other since primary school – and I also know her mother very well and we see each other socially.

I don’t really want my daughter hanging out with this girl any more, as she’s clearly a bad influence. And I don’t know whether to tell her mother, as my daughter told me in confidence. What’s your advice?

Coleen says

If you tell the mum, your daughter might well be reluctant to tell you anything again as you’ve broken her confidence. But, equally, I’m sure you’re concerned for the wellbeing of her friend. You could try talking to the girl yourself and help her to see the potential outcomes for herself and her family. Or, go straight to her mum, but be prepared for her shooting you down in flames for suggesting her daughter could do such a thing.

When it comes down to it, all you can do is try to influence your own daughter to make the right choices. As negative as it sounds, the next girl she hangs out with might experiment with drugs too.

So talk to her about the reality – for all those kids who look like they’re having a great time, many others get ill, addicted, or die.

A good thing is your daughter confides in you. So maintain that trust by telling her before you do anything about her friend.