I feel bad about thefts

FIVE months ago, I started taking money from the till in our family shop.

Every day, I took about a pound to spend on sweets at school.

I do it because all my friends have money to spend and I don’t, and although I really hate myself afterwards, I just can’t stop. Please can you help me as I don’t know what to do. I am 11. - RJ

Fiona says: I’m glad you have told me and have asked for help because it shows that you already know this has got to stop.

It’s making you feel guilty and it’s also against the law because it’s not “taking”, it’s “stealing”.

I suspect going to the till has become a bit of a habit, so the best thing to do to break the habit is to avoid going near the till at all.

Telling your parents what you’ve been doing will be hard but, if you can, I think you should confess to them and apologise.

I think you should also be asking for their help because having money that you can call your own is important to help you grow and manage in future.

You might also like to call Childline (www.childline.org.uk) when you need help - on 0800 1111 or you can ask questions through the website.

He won’t turn off the TV

MY husband is driving me mad! He has the TV on the whole time; the first thing he does when he gets in from work is switch it on, and it doesn’t go off until he goes to bed.

It’s on when we are eating, when friends visit, even when he’s reading the paper.

There’s a constant background babble and if I ask him to switch it off, he just looks at me as if I’m crazy.

Once, I got so angry I switched it off and he didn’t talk to me for a week! Am I being unfair? - DD

Fiona says: If anyone is being unfair, it’s your husband. Have you asked him why he feels he needs it on all the time?

You have an equal right to use your living room and, if he doesn’t want to let you share, perhaps you could find some other space you can make your own.

I wonder if there is something wrong that needs to be addressed. Maybe it’s time to suggest he switches off and takes you out on a date occasionally!