Hate between stepsisters threatens family
Dr. Wallace: I’m 14 and live with my stepfather, my real mother and two stepsisters, who are 16 and 15. My mother and stepfather have been married a year.
My problem is that my stepsisters hate me and I hate them. I use the word “hate” because I can’t think of a stronger word. It’s so bad that the only time we talk is when we are swearing at each other. It’s always them against me. My mother and stepfather refuse to do anything about it. Our house is in constant turmoil. I hate every day I have to live in this house!
My real father and his wife keep in contact with me. Last night I called him and asked if I could live with him and he said yes. I asked my mom and she said it was up to me. If I move I still would be attending the same high school. I love my mom a tad better than I love my dad, but I do love my dad, too. What should I do? Please hurry with your answer. — Nameless, Macomb, Ill.
Nameless: You gave me an easy question to answer. Any time a teen can leave a stressful home environment and move in with a father she loves, it’s a good move. But be sure to keep in close contact with your mother if moving is your choice.
Dr. Wallace: A teen wrote to you that he and his friends were playing penny-ante poker every Saturday night at his house. You said you were not in favor of it because they were playing every Saturday night (from 7 p.m. to midnight).
I disagree. These teens were in a home, supervised by adults. No one was losing a lot of money. They were having fun and no one was getting into trouble. It’s much better that my
ROBERT WALLACE
son play penny-ante poker once a week than do drugs and alcohol. Won’t you change your mind on penny-ante poker? — Mom, Reno, Nev.
Mom: I don’t agree with your reasoning. It’s just like saying, “I’d rather have my son drinking beer at home where I can keep an eye on him than have him drinking with his friends and maybe driving under the influence.” In that case, the boy shouldn’t be drinking at all, especially with your consent at home.
An occasional game of penny-ante poker probably won’t turn all the players into hardened gamblers. However, playing poker regularly can be habit-forming, with the stakes getting higher and higher, and that can have serious consequences.
Dr. Wallace: I need to lose 20 pounds and super fast! I’ve been asked out by a great-looking guy, but I’m sure he doesn’t know that I’m at least 15 pounds overweight. I wear clothes that make me look slimmer than I really am. Please hurry with your advice! — Nameless, St. Louis, Mo.
Nameless: It takes time to add those extra pounds and it takes time to burn them away. First, lay off junk foods and dessert, and in-between snacks. Eat three well-balanced meals a day and exercise at least four times a week. Walking and biking are good ways to compliment your nutritious diet.
If you will promise to follow this advice, expect to lose about a pound and a half per week. Once you lose your desired weight, exercise and a proper diet will help you maintain your ideal weight.