I CAUGHT MY DAD CHEATING ON HIS MOBILE

Dear Coleen

I’m a teenage girl and I’ve always been extremely close to my dad. I love him with all my heart.

My problem is, when I was sat next to him watching funny videos on his phone, a text came up on the screen from a woman, which said: “I love you so much.”

Then she sent a video of herself, trying to look cute. My dad replied: “You are divine and so sexy!”

I was so shocked I didn’t know what to do. Later, when he was asleep in bed, I looked through his phone and I could see he’d been dating this woman. What do I do now? Do I tell my mum or do I keep it a secret? Please help.

Coleen says

You say you’re very close to your dad, so you could you find the courage to speak to him and tell him you’re worried. I don’t think you should have to carry this secret around because it’s a burden and you’ll feel disloyal to your mum.

If he asks you not to tell your mum and promises it’s over or he’s going to end it, then say: “OK, but if I think you’re cheating on Mum, then I’ll have to say something to her because I don’t want to have secrets from her.”

I’m hoping that when he realises the impact this is having on you and that your mum might find out, he’ll take some responsibility for his behaviour and sort things out one way or the other.

I understand you’re probably afraid of your parents splitting up, but, if that happens, it won’t be anything to do with what you have or haven’t done.