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ASK MOM - Traumatized teens need therapy, stable role models

Dear Mom:About a year ago, my wife and I gained custody of my sister's 15-year-old son, James (not his real name). When he came to live with us he had been failing school, mainly because my sister was addicted to a variety of drugs and James's academic li

ASK MOM - Mopey, snarling teen makes Mom feel disconnected

Dear Mom:The problem with my 14-year-old daughter is we really don't talk anymore. I try to make conversation, but unless she wants something, she generally snarls at me. As a result, I've gotten less interested in trying to push through what looks to m

ASK MOM - Daughter doesn't respond to removal of privileges

My 15-year-old daughter has gotten into the habit of lying to me and her dad about pretty much everything. It's not that she's a bad kid, it's more like she just doesn't get it. She has zero motivation to pull her weight.For example, I ask her to do the d

Real love means learning how to say 'I'm sorry'

Dear Mom:Sometimes I think life would be a lot easier if people in my family knew how to apologize. Don't get me wrong, we have a lot of good times together and are there for each other, but it seems like whenever we run up against any little conflicts, w

ASK MOM - Anorexic teen needs Mom to believe in her

Dear Mom:My 15-year-old daughter was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa about a month ago. My husband and I have been sick with worry about her, watching everything she puts in her mouth from morning to night.

ASK MOM - Let son, 18, be guided by his conscience

Dear Mom:This might seem old-fashioned, but I don't approve of my 18 year-old-son, a senior, and his 16-year-old girlfriend having sex.

ASK MOM - Is it adolescent malaise, or depression?

DEAR MOM: My 16-year-old son has no ambition. I've noticed this lack for some time, but my wife assures me this is just normal adolescent flightiness.

ASK MOM - Let manipulative girl, 14, face monster

Sometimes I wonder if I've unwittingly created a monster. I pride myself on being the dad who listens to his kids and sees their side of things, unlike my own father, who ruled from on high.

ASK MOM - Face it: Time with kids outweighs Facebook

I'm a single mom with two kids, a 9-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy. Lately, it seems like our lives are moving pretty fast. Both the kids are involved in sports, and I work long hours and go to school.The other day, my daughter seemed pretty sad. Wh