Don't worry, this is a safe space to come and ask questions or simply just vent, I am always around to listen and help when I can.

Hi! It sounds like things at home feel really strained right now, and that kind of tension with a parent can be incredibly upsetting, especially when you used to feel close.

From what you’ve described, you’re feeling hurt, unheard, and quite overwhelmed, which is completely valid. At the same time, it may help to remember that we’re only seeing one side of the situation, your mum might be dealing with her own stress or emotions that she isn’t communicating well. That doesn’t make your feelings any less important, but it can sometimes explain why conversations feel shut down or more reactive than they used to.

If talking face-to-face isn’t working, you could try writing to her or asking another trusted adult, like your dad or a teacher to help create a calmer space where you can both be heard. You deserve to feel listened to, and sometimes changing how the conversation happens can make a real difference.

I’m also really glad you shared how low you’ve been feeling, because that matters so much. Feeling lost in yourself, struggling with big emotions, are signs you need more support, not something to handle alone, and not something to be dismissed. Please try to talk to a trusted adult or reach out to somewhere like Childline (0800 1111) who will take you seriously.

You don’t need to rush coming out either, it’s okay to wait until you feel safe and supported. Be gentle with yourself; you’re figuring a lot out at once, and you’re doing better than you think 💓

Hi, I’m so sorry that you’re feeling this unhappy right now, and I’m really glad you reached out, you don’t have to go through this on your own. After what you’ve been through, it’s really important that you speak to someone as soon as possible so you can get the support you deserve.

There is help out there, and it doesn’t automatically mean being hospitalised. The people around you, like your parents, teachers, or another trusted adult are there to care for you and support you, and they will want to help keep you safe and feeling better.

If talking to someone you know feels too difficult right now, you can also reach out confidentially to trained listeners who really understand how you’re feeling. You could contact:Right now, the most important thing is that you’re not alone with these feelings. Please try to reach out to someone today, even if it doesn’t feel easy:

• A parent, relative, or trusted adult
• A teacher or school support staff
• Or a confidential helpline (they won’t judge you)

In the UK, you can contact:

• Childline (under 19s): 0800 1111 or chat online
• Samaritans: 116 123
• Shout (text support): text SHOUT to 85258

You can just say exactly how you said it here “I’m not okay and I need to talk.” That’s enough.

You deserve to feel safe, heard, and supported and there are people who will listen without judgement. Please take that first small step and reach out to someone today 💛

Hi💛 Firstly, it’s completely okay to feel worried about this, starting Year 10 and thinking about mocks is a big step, and lots of people feel unsure about how to revise (especially for subjects like English). Add in dyslexia, and it can feel even more frustrating, but I promise, there are ways to make this easier and more manageable for you.

The biggest mistake people make is thinking they need to sit for hours revising, you really don’t. Try breaking your evenings up into small, realistic chunks. Have a proper dinner (or a healthy snack like fruit or nuts first if you’re revising earlier), then do no more than one hour of revision, focusing on just one topic at a time. After that, give yourself guilt‑free “you time” to relax and wind down before bed, sleep actually helps your brain remember what you’ve learned.

And for English, you’re not alone in finding it tricky, especially with dyslexia, so please talk to your teacher. They can offer support, different ways of learning (like audio, mind maps, or breaking texts down), and help you feel more prepared for exams.

Here's a few gentle tips to help you get started:

• Keep revision short and focused (1 hour max, one topic)
• Try different methods (videos, audio notes, mind maps) to suit how you learn
• Break English work into small chunks - don’t try to do everything at once
• Ask your teacher for dyslexia-friendly support and exam tips
• Reward yourself after revising - motivation grows when it feels manageable

You don’t have to be perfect at this, you just have to start small. You’ve absolutely got this, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet 💛

Okay, I totally understand how all of the news bulletins have mad this sound scary, but it really isn’t something to stress about right now 💛

What’s being talked about is a potential new law the government is looking into that would help protect under 16s from unsuitable or harmful content on social media.

This is important:

• Nothing has actually been finalised yet.
• There are no confirmed rules or changes in place right now.

At the moment, it’s just discussions and proposals. It could take months (or even longer) before anything is decided and even then, we’ll get clear guidance on what it actually means for everyone.

So for now try not to worry, no accounts are being suddenly removed, no immediate changes are happening and there is nothing you need to do.

The best thing to do is wait and see how things develop over the coming months. When or if anything becomes official, it’ll be explained properly so everyone knows exactly where they stand.

You’re not about to lose everything overnight... promise💛

Hi 💛 firstly, everything you’ve described (the nervous laughing, the crying, struggling to speak when emotions take over) is so common at your age, especially with parents, because those are the situations where feelings run strongest.

Let's break down your concerns one by one:

🌼 About the laughing and smirking
That nervous giggle thing? It’s actually your brain getting overwhelmed and not knowing how to react, it’s not you being disrespectful. It happens a lot during puberty when your emotional and thinking parts of your brain are still learning how to work together. It will get easier over time. A little trick that helps in the moment:

• press your tongue to the roof of your mouth
• slow your breathing (in for 4, out for 6)
• focus on keeping your face relaxed

These may sound like small things, but they can really steady you.

💧 About crying so easily
Crying isn’t immaturity, it’s your body releasing stress. The reason it happens more with your dad is probably because that’s where you feel the most pressure or intensity. When you feel it building:

• try saying “I need a minute” and step away if you can. Being able to pause instead of pushing through tears? That’s actually maturity.
• write down what you wanted to say afterwards (this really helps you feel heard, even if you couldn’t say it in the moment)
• recognising your emotions instead of fighting them💛

💄 And about the makeup
This one’s tricky, I know. Sometimes parents react strongly because makeup feels like a sign their child is growing up, and that can be hard for them. It’s not really about the blush, it’s about them adjusting. So, a good middle ground might be:

• keeping it light and natural (like you’re already doing)
• showing him what you’re wearing so it doesn’t feel like a “shock”
• maybe agreeing on when/where it’s okay (like weekends or holidays)

🫶 My final little reminder
You are not too emotional, too childish, or doing anything wrong. You’re learning how to handle big feelings in real time, which is one of the hardest parts of growing up. Give yourself a bit more kindness, you're doing better than you think 💛 

Hi! First of all, I’m really glad you asked this question, that takes courage, even if it feels “mild” to you. And just so you know, your feelings are valid no matter how big or small they seem.

Puberty can feel like a total emotional rollercoaster 🎢 hormones, school pressure, friendships, expectations… it can all pile up and leave you feeling stressed or low. But even if hormones play a part, that doesn’t make it any less real or important. So, let’s break this down in a way that actually helps you 💭

💛 You can’t “switch off” anxiety—but you can manage it. Anxiety is your brain trying to protect you, even if it’s overreacting a bit. Instead of trying to stop it completely, try to calm it down:

•  Breathe slowly – in for 4 seconds, out for 6 (this really does help your body settle)
• Ground yourself – name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear
• Take little breaks from social media if it’s overwhelming you

🌱 For those low days - when you feel a bit down, even simple things can help shift your mood:

• Write things down, thoughts, worries, even random feelings
• Get outside, even for 10 minutes
• Listen to music that matches your mood first, then slowly lift it
• Do one small thing (homework, tidying, texting a friend) because small wins matter

🧡 Please don’t deal with this alone - You deserve support, always. Talking to someone you trust can make a huge difference, even if it feels awkward at first:

• a parent or family member
• a friend
• a teacher or school staff member

You don’t have to have the “perfect words” even just “I’ve not been feeling great lately” is enough to start.

So many teens feel exactly like this at times and it can get better with support and small steps. You’re doing really well just by expressing this. I’m proud of you 💛
Always here when you need to talk xx

First of all, please don’t apologise, you’ve got a lot going on right now, and it makes sense it’s all weighing on you. That feeling of “why is everyone else already on summer?” is so real, especially when you’re reading sites like Girls’ Life.

But those web pages are designed to look upbeat and perfect, they’re basically a highlight reel, not real life. You’re in the final stretch with exams, not the relaxing part yet and that doesn’t mean your summer is worse, just that it’s starting a little later.

About your period - what you’re experiencing is actually really normal. Stress (like exams), being unwell, and changes to your routine can all delay it, so a longer cycle this month isn’t unusual. It might show up during exams (annoying timing, I know), but you can handle that, just be a bit prepared so it doesn’t catch you off guard.

And as for your summer? 57 days might feel shorter, but it’s still a solid break, plus you’ve got Malaysia in August, which is something genuinely exciting to look forward to. Your timeline is just different, not worse.

When you do get into your summer, you could try:

• Planning a few low-pressure meetups or chill days with friends
• Starting a small project (writing, drawing, journaling, or even a reading list)
• Giving your room a refresh or sorting through clothes for a little reset
• Making a mini “summer wishlist” so you’ve got things to look forward to
• Letting yourself properly relax after exams without feeling guilty

You’re doing exactly what you need to be doing right now, even if it doesn’t feel fun yet. This part is temporary and your break is coming. You’ve got this ✨

Hey Phoebe‑L💛 

It makes sense you feel sad, being told not to express something important to you hurts. Your theriotypes are a creative, meaningful way of exploring who you are, and that matters.

However, at the same time, your mum might be trying to keep a balance so it doesn’t take over everything or affect other parts of your life. It could help to show you’re willing to meet in the middle like keeping up with daily responsibilities while still having small, private ways to express yourself (drawing, writing, imagining).

Listening to your mums views doesn’t mean giving up who you are, it just means showing respect so she’s more likely to listen back. You could calmly explain how it makes you feel and why it’s important, while also showing you understand her worries.

And about S being mean, that’s not okay at all, and it’s not your fault. Stick close to people like J who treat you kindly (yay 😊), and remember you deserve respect and space to be yourself while finding that balance 💛

Hi and thank you for your question. 

Sometimes it’s not that you can’t cry, it’s that your body has got used to holding things in, or you’re not quite sure how to let your guard down. Crying usually happens when you feel safe enough to release emotions, and if you’re used to pushing feelings aside, it can feel like nothing comes out.

You can try gently creating that space for yourself rather than forcing it. Things like listening to music that matches how you feel, watching something emotional, writing your thoughts down, or just sitting quietly and letting yourself feel whatever’s there can help. Even if you don’t cry, that doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t real, everyone processes emotions differently.

Be patient with yourself, there’s no “right way” to feel or release emotions 💗

Hi Phoebe L, lots of young people explore identity, imagination, and ways they feel connected to the world. Being interested in therian ideas or feeling like you relate to animals can be part of figuring yourself out, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

At the same time, it’s really important to keep a healthy balance. Your mum isn’t trying to upset you, she’s probably just trying to keep things grounded and make sure you stay safe and confident in your real life too. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone right now, and you definitely don’t need to rush into labels. 

Hi, thank you for trusting me with this, there is a lot to unpack so I will break each of your questions down into categories if that's okay.

💬 You & your mam
Your relationship sounds really special. But even in close families, the deeper, more personal stuff can feel awkward to say out loud especially during puberty when teens become so very self-conscious. That’s completely normal.

Your parents likely aren’t getting it quite right because they’re worried, not because they don’t care, so if talking feels too hard, you could:

• write them  a message
• or say something simple like: “I know you’re trying to help, but it’s a bit overwhelming.”

Small steps are enough like this are more than enough to get you all back on track.

🧠 Mental health & self-care
Struggling with brushing your teeth or basic care isn’t laziness, it’s often what poor mental health looks like and add into the mix puberty and it does happen. Try lowering the pressure on yourself.

• Brush for 30 seconds instead of skipping
• Use mouthwash if brushing feels too much
• Eat fruit throughout the day when possible - apples and strawberries are great for teeth whitening

Aim for “small steps" and take a look at my blog Too Tired For School You deserve care, even on hard days.

❤️ About self-harm
I’m really sorry you’re dealing with that. You shouldn’t have to handle it alone.
Even if your parents don’t fully get it yet, it’s important to have support from someone like:

• a school counsellor or nurse
• a trusted teacher
• a helpline like Mind.org

You deserve proper support, not just to cope, but to feel better.

🪒 Shaving tips
You’re not behind at all. lots of teens figure this out themselves. Here are some basic tips and for more read my blog: When Should I Start Shaving? A Simple Guide for Teens.

• Shave in a warm shower
• Use shaving gel/conditioner (not dry skin)
• Use a clean, sharp razor
• Go in the direction hair grows first
• Use light pressure
• Rinse the blade often
• Moisturise to avoid irritation

Finally, you really are dealing with a lot, and you’re still trying and that matters more than you think. You don’t have to figure this all out alone, help and support is there for you, you just have to ask 💛

First things first...take a deep breath. You are not supposed to have your whole life figured out right now. Honestly, nobody your age does, even if it looks like they might. Puberty and your teen years are already a lot to deal with, your body’s changing, your emotions are louder, and you’re starting to think bigger thoughts about the future. That can feel overwhelming really quickly. But there is absolutely no deadline on knowing who you are or what you want to do. You’re still discovering yourself, not defining yourself.

Right now, your job is much simpler than it feels: be kind to yourself and focus on the basics. Do things that make you feel good, even if that’s just listening to music, chatting with friends, or having a quiet moment to yourself. Take care of your body and mind: eat properly, get enough sleep, and let yourself rest without guilt. You don’t need a big plan yet, small, happy moments and looking after yourself are more than enough at this stage. Life doesn’t need to be sorted yet… it just needs to be lived, one step at a time 💛

What you’re feeling is so normal, even if it feels confusing right now. Puberty isn’t just about starting your period, that’s actually just one small part of a much bigger process. Your body and brain are changing in lots of ways at once, and that includes your emotions. Things like mood swings, feeling more sensitive or irritable, growing taller, developing curves, breast growth, and even skin changes like spots are all part of the same journey. Your hormones are starting to shift, and emotions are often one of the first signs, long before your first period ever arrives.

So please don’t worry that something is wrong with you. Feeling more annoyed, frustrated, or overwhelmed lately just means your body is doing exactly what it’s meant to do. Try to be gentle with yourself, get plenty of rest, and talk to someone you trust when things feel a bit much. This stage won’t last forever, and learning to understand your feelings now is actually a really powerful step toward growing up. You’re doing better than you think 💛

hi there, what a sad and emotional day for your family 💔 It’s completely normal that things might feel tense right now as you and your dad are both dealing with such a big loss in your own ways. Even though he may be upset and overwhelmed, that doesn’t make it any easier for you,  especially when you’re hurting too.

When things feel a bit calmer tomorrow, it might help to have a gentle chat with your dad. Let him know you are trying your best and that right now you really need his support, not anger. There’s a good chance he already feels sorry about how he reacted, and talking it through could help you both understand each other a bit more 💛

It's a big struggle for many teens, especially if your bed feels like the best place on earth in the morning. If you want to make it less tempting (but still comfy enough for sleep), here are some practical tricks that actually work:

Make your bed a 2sleep-only” zone. Right now your brain probably associates your bed with:

• scrolling 🫠
• snacks 🍫
• chilling

Try to only use your bed for sleep.

• Do homework, scrolling, texting somewhere else
• This retrains your brain: bed = sleep, not hangout zone

Change the comfort balance. Make it cosy at night, but slightly less irresistible in the morning:

• Swap super-soft blankets for something a bit lighter
• Don’t overheat your room (cooler rooms = easier to get up - keep a window open)
• Use fewer pillows so you’re not fully cocooned

You don’t need to make it uncomfortable...just less like a cloud!

Make staying in bed harder. This is where little obstacles help:

• Put your alarm across the room (so you have to stand up)
• Use a second alarm 5 mins later as backup
• Try apps that make you scan a barcode or do a task before turning it off

Let light break the spell! Dark = stay asleep mode 💤

• Open curtains ASAP (I never close mine)
• Or use a sunrise alarm lamp
• Even turning a bright light on straight away helps wake your brain up

Remove morning distractions: If your phone is your biggest trap:

• Charge it away from your bed
• Avoid social apps first thing
• Give yourself a “no-scroll until I’m up and dressed” rule
• You can even put a block on looking at apps in the morning!

Give yourself a reason to get up. This is huge. Make mornings less “ugh” and more “okay fine”:

• Plan something small you enjoy (music, a fave drink, skincare routine)
• Set a goal like “I’ll just sit up” → “now I’ll stand” → “now I’ll go bathroom”

Bonus trick: Make your bed immediately

I know it sounds annoying, but it really does remove the temptation to crawl back in
Mentally signals “day has started”

Finally, if getting out of bed feels really hard most days (not just lazy-hard but heavy, drained, unmotivated), it can sometimes be linked to things like sleep issues, stress, or mood. If that’s happening, you’re not alone, and it might be worth chatting to someone you trust about it.

Honestly? This is not as bad as you think...in fact a lot of teens feel exactly like this sometimes, your body and brain are going through so many changes, and yes, hormones can play a big part in those “I just want to do nothing” days. It doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated, it just means your body is asking for a bit of downtime and that’s actually okay in small doses.

If you do want to nudge yourself out of that slump a little, try keeping it super simple: plan one or two small things for the day (nothing overwhelming), like tidying a drawer, baking something fun, or going for a short walk. You can also make little tweaks, like giving the TV remote to someone else for a bit, or opening your window and making your bed less cosy so you’re not tempted to stay in it all day.

And for the record…bracelet making sounds like a perfectly valid activity to me, I love that too and I am currently wearing a green and brown stone bracelet all handmade! 💕

thank you for trusting me with this, what you’re feeling really matters. If someone’s behaviour is making you uncomfortable, you don’t need to “prove” anything to justify that feeling. From what you’ve described, it’s completely understandable that you feel unsettled, and it’s okay to listen to that instinct. A teacher should always make students feel safe and respected, not uneasy or unsure.

You have a couple of options, whichever feels safest for you. You could speak to a trusted adult, like another teacher, your head of year, or a parent, and explain that his behaviour is making you uncomfortable. You don’t have to handle this alone, and it’s not your job to fix it or confront him yourself. Even though you only have a short time left at school, you still deserve to feel comfortable every day, so please don’t just put up with it quietly 💛

I’m really glad you told me how you’re feeling, that takes a lot of courage. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Feeling like you want to hurt yourself or thinking about not wanting to be here is really serious, and you don’t have to deal with it on your own.

First, about your body: everything you’ve described (changes in breast size, body hair, feeling different from others) can happen for lots of natural reasons, including hormones, and it doesn’t mean there’s anything “wrong” with you or that you don’t fit what a woman should look like. There is huge variation in bodies, even though it might not feel that way when you compare yourself to others. But the way you’re feeling about yourself sounds really painful, and you deserve support with that, not to carry it alone.

Right now, what matters most is your safety. Please reach out immediately to someone you trust (a parent, family member, teacher, or friend). You can also contact:

• Samaritans (UK): 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Shout: text “85258” to message a trained volunteer

These people are there to listen without judging you.

You also deserve ongoing support, not just in the moment. If you can, please book an appointment with your GP and be honest about how you’re feeling, they can help you access the right support (like counselling). If that feels hard, you could show them what you wrote to me. Vicki💛 

Hi, take a deep breath for a second 💛 it sounds like you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself. A 93 in science is actually a really strong grade, you are absolutely not failing. When you’re used to doing really well, even a small drop can feel huge, but from the outside, you’re doing incredibly well and should be proud of yourself.

It’s also normal to hear things about the next grade and start worrying, but 7th grade won’t suddenly be impossible. Everything you’re learning now is helping prepare you for it, and you’ll grow into it step by step, just like you did with 6th. Try to be a bit kinder to yourself, school matters, but so does relaxing, having fun, and not burning yourself out. You’re doing better than you think 🌟