Dear Shayna,

My mom always asks me to help entertain my younger siblings. Whenever I have any free time and want to pursue my own interests, mom finds a use for my free time. I’m a young teenager and I need my own space. How can I get my mom to just leave me alone?

Dear Dismayed Daniella,

There are times that we get to do what we want and there are times that we don’t. Things are not always going to go your way. Your mom only gives you chores, like watching your siblings, because she knows she can rely on you. It might seem overwhelming at times. Talk to your mom in a respectful way. Tell her how you feel. I’m sure that you’ll be able to come up with a compromise that works for both of you. You think your mom makes you do a lot of chores—wait till you meet my mom…!