Texting

Dear Alli,
My mom gave me a cell phone but I can only use it to call people, no texting! But EVERYBODY texts! And all my friends are going to think I’m so out of loop. I keep telling her how much I need to text but she won’t listen. What can I do to convince her?
Jamie, age 13
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Dear Jaimie,

You got a new cell phone! Whoa that’s great! You’re really blessed; I didn’t get a cell phone till I was almost 17! Can you believe that? My family just didn’t think it was necessary for me to have a cell phone, or that I wasn’t old enough to act responsibly with one. So when I got a cell phone it was a pretty big deal.

Maybe that’s how you should look at having your cell phone, look at it as an opportunity to show your mom that you can act responsibly! Instead of trying to convince your Mom of something you want, like texting, see if she is willing to help you grow and act with more maturity and responsibly. Maybe ask for a set amount of texts per month, see how that goes, and then move forward. That way this is something you can both work on together instead of it being a conflict.

Hope that makes it easier for you! And remember, if your mom decides to stick to her guns, not having a cell phone and access to texting isn’t the end of the world. I sure made it okay! =)

Much love,

Alli

Friendship

Dear Alli,
My BFF is no longer my friend! We both started at this new school and she just started hanging out with this other girl and stuff. She totally ignores me now and I just can't make new friends. What should I do?
Sarah, age 11
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Dear Sarah,

I'm very sorry - losing a friend is always really tough. I'm sure you really invested a lot of your time building that relationship and trusting the other person and when all that all dropped, it really hurt. Our first instinct IS to get angry, or maybe so sad that we feel like we have no friends at all.

But the world is so BIG! Being angry or sad will only limit your possibilities to make new friends. Think about this - you can have more than just one best friend! Try three or four! Just be open and yourself and I am positive you will find other friends.

You could also talk to your BFF and tell her how you feel and see how that works out, it could all very well be a misunderstanding.

I know you can do this, Sarah! Say hi to all your new friends for me! :}

God Bless,
Alli

Moving

Dear Alli,
I just found out that we are moving! I am so upset and I know I will hate my new home and hate my new school. I need some help so I can be popular and make friends.
Taylor, age 10
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Dear Taylor,

I know from experience that moving is hard. I've lived in 5 states since I was little! Moving can be very upsetting.

But it can also be very exciting! You get to met new people, explore a new town, and see new sights. Ask your mom or dad to help you find out about some of the fun things in your new town! Don't see this as the end of the world - think of it as an adventure! I'm sure you'll make lots of great new memories and friends!

And Taylor, nothing can make you more popular than just being you. Others will naturally be drawn to a genuine personality. I promise you will make great friends this way! :)

Best wishes on your move! Let me know how it goes!

God Bless,

Alli

Getting a Facebook

Dear Alli,
I am so mad at my parents! They won't let me have a Facebook, and all my friends have one. Can you help me show them how unfair they are so they will let me sign up? Please?
Molly, age 12
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Dear Molly,

I know it must be frustrating that you and your parents are not agreeing over Facebook! But you know what - your parents will be more open to listening to you if you talk to them calmly and without getting stressed out. I promise!

How about sitting down and writing all the reasons why you want to have a Facebook and how you will be responsible. For example, you might agree to only use it for one hour a day, or promise not to do private chatting. Give your parents the list and they can talk with you about your reasons and perhaps share with you some of the reasons why they would rather you wait to have a Facebook account.

Ultimately though Molly, it is your parents' decision on whether or not you can have a Facebook. And, whatever the end result may be, you must act with respect! Your parents do everything they do because they love you and want to protect you from harm. I know it may not seem like that sometimes, but they really do know what's best for you!

In the meantime, I promise you that not having a Facebook will be the end of the world! I didn't get a facebook until I was 17!

Hope this helps - friend me on Facebook if you are given permission! :D

God Bless,

Alli