My grandchild is always out drinking – she’s turning into a troublesome teen
DEAR DEDIRE: MY 17-year-old granddaughter is turning into a troublesome teen and it’s starting to get me down.
She used to be such a sweet and thoughtful person and had such big dreams, but now all she cares about is going out and getting blind drunk with her friends.
My son is worried sick, but every time he tries to talk to her she just gets angry and starts an argument.
He’s tried to set boundaries but there’s only so much he can do.
I’m 62 and he’s a single dad aged 37.
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The worst part is that her schoolwork is suffering. She used to be so bright and would always talk about going off to uni, but now it seems she has no aspirations at all.
I’ve tried my best to talk to her but she never wants to listen. I love her dearly and the last thing I want is to see her wreck her life like this.
How can I help?
DEIDRE SAYS: Your granddaughter sounds unhappy. When teens act up, it’s often because they are sad or struggling to deal with their emotions.
It may be that her behaviour is a call for help.
Keep trying to talk to her and ask her what is really bothering her. Taking a softer approach might help you get through to her.
Do talk to her about how vulnerable she is if she is so drunk she can’t make informed decisions.
I may be helpful to talk everything over with Family Lives (, 0808 800 2222).
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