Name: Going Crazy

Boise, ID

Number of kids: 2

Ages of kids: 17 & 13

Problem: We have recently moved a long distance and our new school is much larger. I am finding that my daughter is making (what I feel) wrong choices in friends and I have caught her telling horrendous things to the school counselors and her peers. She tells them that she twice has attempted suicide, that she used to use drugs and alcohol, that she has three older brothers, one gay, one in prison for murder and one that will be her protector if someone makes her mad. I am mortified at what is coming from her. She tells me daily of the fights at her school and of the policeman that is employed to stay within the school - all day - every day. We are used to a country school with about 85 kids in her class - here she has about 300. Granted this is the wild time with PMS and all that - but what am I to do??? Please help!!

Solution submitted by Adam H. from New Orleans, LA: "Reviving Ophelia." It is imperative that you speak with the school counselors, teachers, and your daughter as soon as possible. If you do feel comfortable doing so, speak to her friends. You mentioned that you do not particularly like her choice of friends though so this may be a bad idea. Girls at this age often need to be reassured that you love them and aren't losing track of them. Teenagers want to cut off their parents and adult role models right when they need them the most, during teenage changes. I recommend that you read Reviving Ophelia by Dr. Mary Pipher. It is an excellent book and would probably provide you with a lot of insight.

Editor's Note: The book recommended can be ordered through the Parentsroom Bookstore in Association with Amazon.com by clicking on the Title or Book Jacket above.