What do I do if I have a little sister who blames me for everything? My sister is so annoying. She is seven and we are always fighting. What should I do? My brother is always asking me for everything. He wants everything. What should I do?
Lil Ones

Dear Lil Ones,
I am the youngest of my sister and brother. I was the baby. I have heard that I was spoiled and I do remember getting on my sister’s nerves. I thought she was mean to me. What I know is that siblings don’t like each other just because they are related. Each child in a household has a different personality and they can clash. When you feel that there is a problem between you and a sibling, the first thing to do is to make your parent(s) aware of the problem and then deal with it two ways. First, understand that a younger child is more selfish and needy. They need attention, they want what they want. Sometimes you should give it to them. When you were their age, you wanted your parents to give you what you wanted, and sometimes you got it. One the other hand, you must be stern with children so that they understand that in life, you cannot always have what you want. People that always got what they wanted growing up, have a hard time as adults when they learn that this is just not reality. There are limits. So, make a time or schedule for yourself and share it with your younger brother or sister. Tell them the days when you will play with them, share with them, or let them in your room. Tell them the days that you will not. Make sure that they stick to it so they will know. That way you don’t always have to go to your parent. It is an agreement between you and your brother or sister, like a deal. Tell them that if they keep the deal with you, then that is between you two; but if they don’t, play with then you WON’T!

Why do boys always like girls for what they have not for what you have inside you, your heart, or your personality? It seems like more boys like other girls better than me. I can never get what I want. Why?
Boys are Beasts

Dear Boys are Beasts,
Boys are players. They like games. They like what’s easy. So never be a girl to give them what they want because you will not be special to them. Always be different and care more about yourself than them. When a boy begins to look for a girlfriend he is not going to want the girls he used to play with. He is gonna want a special girl. So right now, don’t worry about the other girls. If you want to have what you want, you have to wait until you are a little older when a boy is a young man and can see your heart better. You are a special gift that should be cherished, not used and thrown away. Remember, don’t be like the rest….be unique and pass the test!

I’m fighting with my mom a lot. What should I do?
Born Bad

Dear Born Bad,
Sometimes our parents don’t understand that we must grow. Sometimes they don’t want to let us go because they are scared. The world outside is very mean and dangerous so if your mom is holding a tight grip it’s because she cares. Now, if you, on the other hand, are trying to demand your independence by being disrespectful, rude, or deceitful, then you are not being fair either. Sometimes our friends take precedence, meaning we think they are more important, than our parents; but friends come and go, family is there through thick and thin. So what should you do? Be honest and open about what you want to do. The more you parent thinks you can be trusted, the more they will trust you with being independent. You must earn it. If you are always getting into trouble than you cannot be trusted to make your own decisions. Your mom may be saving you from yourself; meaning she may see you headed in the wrong direction and she will not sit by and allow you to destroy yourself or your future. Tell your mom that you love and appreciate her. As a mom, I know how it feels do to all that I have for my family and feel taken for granted. It’s not a good feeling. So remember, tell your mom how you feel and ask her how you two can work things out. It takes two to argue and two to get along.

If you like someone what do you tell them?
Scaredy Cat

Dear Scaredy Cat,
If you like someone, there is always a possibility that the feeling is not mutual. When you get prepared to tell them, be prepared for both responses. If you get a negative response, don’t be pushy. Accept it. If you get the answer that you want to hear, that they like you too, don’t mess it up by rushing or being pushy either. Liking someone is okay but they are not obligated to you because you like them. The best way to get the results you want is to be yourself and show, not tell, that you are someone to like back. Always remember, when someone doesn’t like you, someone else will and always remember how it feels when someone you don’t like starts stalking you; and never be that person.

I have a friend that I don’t know whether I can trust or not? What can I do?
Friend or Foe

Dear Friend or Foe,
First, I would ask the person out right if they can be trusted. When they say yes, which they will, I will test that person. Asking them the question should give them the heads up that you are not sure. “They” say trust your instincts, because a lot of times we know in our heart the real answer. I would share something that is not true with that person and see if it comes back; or ask them for an easy favor and see if they are dependable. I know it sounds sneaky but if they pass the test, be honest and tell them that you are glad they didn’t fail.