5S advice column by Laurie Joynt

Problem 1: Friendship troubles

lauriej1 — 2024-03-08 06:45:53 UTC

Hi! I need help badly. I used to have this really good friend in school, and all of a sudden she turns her back on me. I gave her a few chances and she messed up each one I gave her, so I flat out told her, "We're done," since she was treating me so horribly. Just today as I was headed out of the school building to get to my bus, another friend of mine stopped me before I left to explain that my ex-best friend told her that she was giving out my number to random people on social media. I have already talked to my parents, and the School's Resource Police Officer was notified by my friend, but I feel like that isn't enough. After all this happened outside of school, so the school can't do much, right? I ignore her as much as possible and I don't talk to her. Why is she doing this and what else can I do to make it stop?

Problem 2: How do I quit?

lauriej1 — 2024-03-08 06:47:01 UTC

When I was younger—like 7 years old, I really wanted to try out piano. My mom agreed and I started classes. I was really enjoying classes. Fast forward to today. I became really bored with piano, but didn't want to tell my mom because she had paid a lot of money for my classes. I started to like singing and I would just sing in my bedroom with my door locked. What should I do? Tell my mom that I want to quit piano or keep it a secret?

Problem 3: Clingy friend

lauriej1 — 2024-03-08 06:48:05 UTC

Hi. I'd really appreciate it if you'd answer my question. So I met this girl at school, and she really seems to want us to be friends. She seems nice enough, but I've only met her once briefly and now she texts me all the time. She calls me bestie a lot, and yesterday she asked me to meet up on Thursday after school though I barely know her! I have a club then so I couldn't, but now she's asked me to eat lunch with her and her friends. It's just that I already have my own friends who I want to eat lunch with and hang out with. I want to be nice though and I'd like us to be friends, just not so quickly! How do I avoid offending her but still not have to hang out excessively?

Problem 4: School work blues

lauriej1 — 2024-03-08 06:50:31 UTC

I’m studying really, really hard for all of my classes, but I’m still not doing very well. What do I do? I’ve tried studying different ways, but nothing I’ve done works. I feel like I’m drowning. Please help!

Problem 5: Frustrated kid

lauriej1 — 2024-03-11 01:11:46 UTC

My parents and I are always arguing about everything! It's like we're speaking different languages. They want me to do my homework right after school, clean my room every day, and be in bed by 8 PM. But I just want some freedom and to have fun sometimes! How can I make them understand that I need a little space to breathe and be myself without all these rules?

Problem 6: Growing up too fast

lauriej1 — 2024-03-11 01:13:53 UTC

My friend and I used to be super close, but lately, it feels like we're from different planets. While I'm getting into more grown-up stuff like reading novels and playing sports, my friend still wants to play with toys and watch cartoons. It's hard because I don't want to hurt their feelings, but I also want to spend time doing things I enjoy. How can I talk to my friend about this without making them upset?

Problem 7: Stressed out student

lauriej1 — 2024-03-11 01:14:31 UTC

I need help! My homework is piling up like a mountain, and I feel like I'm drowning! After school, I have soccer practice, piano lessons, and even more stuff to do. I don't know how to juggle it all and still have time to play with my friends or just relax. Please, can you give me some tips on how to manage my time better and not feel so overwhelmed?

Problem 8: Confused kid

lauriej1 — 2024-03-11 01:14:57 UTC

I'm feeling super pressured by my friends to do stuff I know I shouldn't. Like they want me to skip class or try things I'm not comfortable with. I don't want to lose my friends, but I also don't want to get into trouble or do things I know are wrong. How can I stand up for myself and say no without losing my friends or feeling left out?