Letters from the Switched on "How to Get Along With Your Parents (Or Roll Your Eyes While Trying) " issue

Dear Switched-on,
I just started dating this guy that I really like. I want to spend more time with him, but my mother always wants to know where I am. I am afraid to tell her about my boyfriend because I think she will object and not let me go out with him at all.
-Jackie

Dear Jackie,
It is possible that your mother already suspects that you have a boyfriend, and that is why she is keeping track of you so closely. If that is the case, she will probably be incredibly relieved to meet your boyfriend. Unfortunately, until you tell your mother what is going on, you will probably end up sneaking around. If you
-Switched-on

Dear Switched-on,
It seems like every time I come out of my room, I get into a screaming match with my parents. I can not seem to do anything well enough for them. How can I get them to leave me alone?
-John

Dear John,
If you have not tried talking to your parents about this directly, it is worth a shot. Make sure you approach them at a time when you are in a good mood and they are in a good mood. If that does not work, you could try talking to another adult, family member, or even a counsellor. If you could arrange to go to a family counsellor with your parents, that could be helpful as well.
-Switched-on

Dear Switched-on,
About a week ago, I got into huge trouble with my school and got suspended. I did not tell my parents, but I am scared that they will find out when they go to parent-teacher conferences in a few weeks.
-Kate

Dear Kate,
Almost all parents would rather hear about this from you before hearing about it from a teacher or administrator. It is pretty embarrassing for parents to be taken off-guard, and they are likely to take that embarrassment out on you. If you do decide to tell them, but are scared to do it, you could try writing them a letter, or asking another adult to be there with you when you tell them.
-Switched-ons