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How Can I Connect With My Dad?

My mom and I are really close. I can tell her anything. Well, I used to be able to. But since she got this new job it's been really hard, because she's at work almost all the time. My dad's at home a lot, but he's the problem. I can't talk to him about ANYTHING. I want to, but it's hard! He used to always be mean and crabby. He would make jokes about me all the time to his friends, and it hurt my feelings. Now that's not happening anymore. He's trying to talk to me, but I always turn him down now. I feel horrible about it, but still, whenever I do talk to him, he turns around and gets crabby again. How can I patch things up with my dad, and be friends with him? Or at least have a civil conversation with him? - Jenny, 11, Minnesota

"Hey, Jenny!" Talk to your dad about neutral issues. Stuff that both of you like, even if it's the score of the game, or a funny thing that happened to you that day. Odds are your dad's as frustrated as you are about the whole situation.

Don't ever assume that the relationship you have with your dad will be identical to the one you and your Mom have. It can't. That's what makes each relationship special in itself. As far as your Mom's new job cutting into your time together: Change happens. It's how you deal with it that counts. Pick a time that your Mom has clear in her schedule and clear that time in yours. Do something together every week at this time. Play a game, take a dance class, or kickboxing together. Try to pick something that you can still talk while you do. This way you have an opportunity to catch each other up on the week's events.

Stephanie, 17, New Jersey

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Want the low-down on friendship? Get the book written and edited by the readers of Agirlsworld.com!