Teen dealing with mother’s drinking
Dear Abby: I’m a 13-year-old girl and I had a big argument with my mom. It’s about her drinking. I have tried to get her to stop because most of the money she makes goes straight to her alcohol, but instead of talking it out, she starts yelling. She says it’s her life and we can’t tell her what to do with her money.
I have five younger sisters and brothers, and I try to come up with money myself from babysitting. Should I keep talking to my mother about her behaviour or leave it be? Can’t Do It All Dear Can’t Do It All: As long as your mother continues to deny that she has a drinking problem, there is nothing you can do to help her without further putting her on the defensive. But you may be able to find support from Alateen.
At your age, you should not have to assume financial responsibility for your younger siblings. You should discuss this with a trusted adult because they may be able to get you some help from a social services organization. Dear Abby: A relative of mine has a 5-year-old son who is at least 20 or 30 pounds overweight. Everyone in the family is concerned about it, but no one knows how to bring it up to the parents without offending them. We don’t understand how the parents or grandparents don’t see his weight as an issue.
We fear he might have trouble with other kids his age teasing him. However, we are more worried about his health than anything. Someone Who Cares Dear Someone Who Cares: How do you know the child’s parents and grandparents don’t see his weight as an issue? A way to raise the subject would be to mention your concern and ask what the boy’s pediatrician has had to say about it. While years ago doctors may have been reluctant to raise the issue, today they are much less so because obesity has been declared a disease. Also, as a relative, try to include the boy in physical activity you engage in. Dear Abby is written by Jeanne Phillips, daughter of Pauline Phillips, the original Dear Abby. Write Abby at www.DearAbby.com or c/o The Ottawa Citizen, Box 5020, Ottawa, K2C 3M4. For a reply, send a self-addressed envelope. Abby covers postage. Include name and phone number if you want your letter published.