 (Nick Galifianakis for The Post) | Dear Carolyn: My 15-year-old daughter has a friend from a complicated household — mom is an alcoholic and just got out of jail for her second drunk-driving offense. Parents' marriage has been rocky for years — and dad overshares with friend about it. There is also a lot of chaos and drama surrounding friend — switching plans, changing schedules, changing times, no-shows, telling one friend to lie to another, leaving camp days early (leaving my daughter alone), etc. Basically, this friend is a kiddo who seems to schedule with several people at once and then picks the plan that looks best. Scheduling any activity with friend is complicated and always involves several changes, often after I've already changed my schedule to make the plan happen. As a mom, I'm struggling with how to support my daughter without trashing her friend. I won't cut off the relationship, and can't, but it's been frustrating to watch as a mom — and frustrating as the driver. The friend is a nice and pleasant young lady at our house and my daughter does enjoy time with her — when she shows up. Any suggestions? — Mom |
