Dear 11. soc,

My mother lies to me very often, and I feel like she doesn’t trust me. Since my mother and father have separated, she has been through a lot of ups and downs. I’ve caught her lying to me and my brother, and it affects out relationship. When I’ve tried to ask for an explanation, she always denies that she has lied, even though I know she has. What should I do?

Dear Reader,

Living with parents who have gone through some kind of traumatic experience is hard, because they often don’t understand that their problems are affecting the children. If I were in your shoes, I would tell her how the lying makes me feel and hope that she would open up — but if it doesn’t work I suggest getting some help from your grandmother or some other extended or nuclear family members. You said that you feel like she doesn’t trust you. I think that she does, but she just doesn’t want to put the dirt on you because you are still her child. Be gentle on her and she will open up!

Dear 11. soc,

I might have bought some shoes that are too expensive. I come from a middle class family and my parents have always taught me to not be afraid to work. For the last four summers I’ve worked in a real job so I could afford afford to buy things such as headphones and video games. This summer I bought myself shoes that are quite expensive, and I think my father believes that I am irresponsible with my money. What should I do?

Dear Reader,

I get why you are concerned about this situation, but you have to remember that buying something only for yourself isn’t a bad thing especially if you earned the money yourself. If your dad blames you for spending too much money on shoes you can tell him that the shoes are for a long time and they aren’t temporary. If you have a younger brother or cousin you can give the shoes to them when you grow out of them or want to get some kind of other shoes. I suggest you to be brave and convincing if your dad asks about the shoes. It will show him that you don’t regret the purchase!