Christine,

I wish I had some words of advice for you. Since I became a mother at 41 I have nothing to offer you except my empathy. I certainly would be devastated if this were to happen to me and my daughter. Many have told me it is a teenagers right of passage. I love my daughter and have given up everything for her. My career...the love of my life...if she turns on me I may just leave and not look back. Seems to me many children feel the need to jump and go live with the other parent during their teens. Daughters however seem to need their mom's still after they grow up. Don't give up hope and keep telling her you love her and I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

My daughter is the gorgeous blonde popular one at school. I see her heading in exactly the same direction. I only hope I do not screw her up too badly. Children do grow up in spite of you.

Julia