Teen’s suicide attempt is the signal for friend to act

I’m 13, and I’m writing you about my best friend. Her life at home has always sucked, but it has reached a new level. Her grandmother is no longer paying for her tuition, her parents verbally abuse her and yesterday she attempted suicide. Luckily, she called me and I talked her through it.

I don’t know how to help her. I can’t talk to her parents because they’ll be no help, but I don’t know what will happen if I tell my parents. Please help.

You are a caring friend. The one thing you SHOULDN’T do in a misguided effort to “protect” your friend is to remain silent. When someone threatens suicide, it is time to act.

You should absolutely tell your parents everything you know so they can inform her parents. If your parents are hesitant to do that, confide in a trusted counselor at school so your friend can get the help she appears to desperately need. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s toll-free number is 800273-8255. Please share it with your friend. But if she tells you again that she has injured herself, call 911.

I have a 23-year-old stepson who bullies my wife into taking care of him. She helped him to buy a home, even though she knew his earnings would not be enough to cover his car, insurance, phone, cable, etc.

He continues to make his problems ours. He called yesterday telling his mom he needs brakes. We already pay his insurance on the vehicle. Oh, and he has a baby on the way.

I have tried to talk to my wife about enabling him, but she refuses to see that she is keeping him dependent. What can I do to help her get on the right path?

Spouses are supposed to agree before spending large amounts of community assets. Counseling might help you to get through to her. But if it doesn’t, consult a lawyer about protecting your assets.

If the money she’s giving him is her own, you can’t stop her from doing it.

We live down the street from my boyfriend’s mother. Our 3-year-old daughter spends a few hours there while I’m at work and her dad is running errands.

The problem I have is, my boyfriend’s mother repeats everything I say to my daughter right after I say it when I ask her to do something! It drives me crazy. Please help.

Stop complaining. At least your mother-in-law agrees with you and reinforces what you tell your daughter. Consider it a small price for free baby-sitting.