Page 72 - Exercise 2B

Page 72 - Exercise 2B

Problem page

Have you got a problem? Write to Melanie for advice.

1) I’ve got a real problem with my parents. I’m 14 and a boy from my school has asked me out on a date. I haven’t said anything to my parents about it yet. If I tell them, they’ll just say no. Because they think I’m too young to go out with boys. I really want to go on a date. Should I say that I’m going somewhere with my friends?

Samantha, Coventry

This is a common problem between teenagers and parents. I’m sure that your parents are only trying to protect you. However, it’s never a good idea to tell lies. If your parents find out, you 11 be in real trouble, so you must talk to them about it. Why not invite the boy to your house to meet them first? Perhaps that will solve it.

2) I play the electric guitar with a band. I want to leave school next year so that I can go on tour with the band. But my parents say that I have to stay on at school. They say that I won’t get a good job if I don’t go to university. I like school, but I want to be a rock star and I think we’re good enough to be really famous.

Liam, Bournemouth

A lot of young people dream about being pop stars, sports stars, and so on. It’s good to have an ambition in life. However, my advice to you is to listen to your parents. In this case they’re right. And don’t worry. The music world will still be there when you finish university.

3) You often have letters from kids who want more freedom from their parents, but I’ve got the opposite problem. My parents never have time for me. My dad travels a lot on business, and my mum’s always busy with something. I usually eat on my own. If I want someone to talk to, my parents are never there.

Emma, Manchester

Yes, you can have too much of a good thing. This is a difficult situation. My usual advice is to talk to parents, but if they aren’t there, that won t be easy. I think you should write to them and tell them how you feel. When they read it. I’m sure they’ll do something to help.

4) I always used to get on well with my mum and dad, but now that I’m a teenager. We seem to disagree on everything and we argue all the time. It’s all do this. Don’t do that. You can’t stay in bed all day so get up. I think I’m old enough to make my own decisions.

Mark, Norwich

When you’re young, your parents choose your clothes. organize your time and so on. When you re a teenager, you want to do some of these things for yourself. However, it can take time for parents to see that you’ve grown up. Why not make a list of things that you want to decide for yourself? Then discuss it with your parents and try to reach an agreement. A calm discussion is always better than an argument.