Ask Nattie

Nattie Swan is St. Charles Parish’s best new advice columnist for kids and their parents. Let her help you. Send questions to the editor.

I can’t cope with my mom’s death

Dear Nattie: My mother passed away three years ago and I still can’t get over it. I try to put on a happy face and even my close friends don't know that Mom's death bothers me.

But deep down inside I hurt really bad. I feel so alone. And there's not much happiness in my life anymore.

I'm not suicidal. But there are times when I feel like my life isn't worth living or when I wish I had never been born.

I can't talk to my Dad - I think he's as sad as I am because he's never been the same since Mom left us.

I'm not even sure why I'm writing. I don't have anyone else to turn to I guess. What should I do? - Depressed in Boutte
 
Dear Depressed: From your letter it sounds like you need professional help.

If money is tight you can try talking to someone like the pastor at your church or the counselor at school.

If you do not feel comfortable talking to either of them you can ask your counselor if he/she can recommend you to a support group for teens.

It is most important to remember that your Mom is always alive in your heart as long as you think of her.

I wish I was rich like my friends

Dear Nattie: Most of my friends come from families that are a lot richer than mine. Nobody ever tries to make me feel inferior, but sometimes I wish I had all the money they have.

The other day one of my friends noticed that I had sewed a tear in a blouse, and she asked me why I didn’t just throw it away and get a new one.

I tried to laugh it off by saying I was "practicing" my sewing. But it hurt to think that I have to patch things up that my friends would just throw in the trash can.

Do you think I’m running around with people who are better than me, and that maybe I’d be better off hanging out with kids from my own neighborhood? - Wondering in Hahnville

Dear Wondering: I can relate to you because I am the eldest of three and money is not always plentiful.

You should not let your financial situation dictate who your friends are.

Your real friends like you for who you are, not how much money you have.