Teens

News

Reviews

Competitions

Features

Q&A

Q & A

Sponsored by

Have a teen related question but are struggling to find an answer?

Simply email your question to letstalk@frombumptogrump.co.uk and we will do our very best to find an answer.

The best question each month will win one of the latest releases from Macmillan Children's Books.

This month's title is Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

Life on the Refrigerator Door
Alice Kuipers

£5.99
In this highly original and touching novel, we meet Claire and her Mom, who both lead very hectic lives. Because of this they leave notes for each other on the fridge door at home to keep each other up to date on their daily lies. Then one day Claire comes home to a note that is different from all the others. And nothing is ever the same again. Poignantly told through a series of messages, this heartbreaking debut novel is one that will stay with you forever.

Q: I am fourteen and would love to get a part time job. What advice do you have?

A: Children are not legally allowed to work until they are 13, unless it's a particular role such as acting which can only be undertaken by someone of a particular age. In that instance, councils are required to issue a special licence.

Children aged between 13 and the minimum school leaving age in England, Scotland and Wales may not do any work, paid or unpaid before 7am or after 7pm , for more than two hours on a school day or Sunday, for more than 12 hours a week during term time, and in the holidays for more than 25 hours a week (35 hours if aged 15 or over).

At fourteen, your job choices are limited and other than paper rounds and similar, not widely advertised. A lot of jobs are obtained through word of mouth so keep your ears to the ground. You could try taking the initiative and advertising for babysitting jobs on a shop window, or do a leaflet drop. Neighbours may want grass cutting for example, and it's all money at the end of the day!

Q: I am always worrying about everything and anything. Is this normal?

A: Teens go through a tremendous amount of change, both in the body with hormones, and in the mind as they become adults. The mixture of the two make it a problematic time. A lot of teens go through these feelings as they realise that the world is not the innocent place of their earlier childhood. Try talking to friends as they may feel the same, and a problem shared is a problem halved. If not, try parents, relatives or close family friends who you feel you can talk to. If you then still feel it is a problem, make an appointment to see your GP who can assess if it is anything more unusual, although we respect they will reassure you that it is normal.

Q: I want to become vegetarian but am worried that I will be stuck eating vegetables which I'm not that keen on?

A: Whilst vegetables are good for you, going 'veggie' no longer means bean stew. There are lots of specific vegetarain products out there, including sausage, burgers and bacon. 'Quorn' is a low fat substitution to meat and chicken as is Tofu. Even when eating out, including fast food, there are options that even meat eaters wil find hard to resist!

Q: I've been getting the odd spot for a few months but now they are becoming more frequent and embarassing. What is the best way to deal with them?

A: Minor acne can be treated at home by cleansing thoroughly then using an over the counter anti-acne medication. When selecting an anti-acne treatment, look for a medication that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If the acne is still resisting, then you will need to visit your GP. They may prescribe a cream or lotion loaded with acne fighters to get rid of harmful bacteria on your skin and loosen the blocked oil in your pores. Antibiotic tablets might also be prescribed to knock out bacteria before it can take hold in your system. Hormonal treatments are also an option for distressing cases of acne.

There is always hope and we have all been there!

Q: I'm about to make my GCSE choices. Can you tell me which subjects I have to take?

A: The compulsory subjects are Maths, English, Information and communication technology (ICT) and Science. There are very good reasons why this is so. Your school may have other subjects it likes you to take so always consult your teachers for advice.

© FromBumptoGrump 2007-2008