Dear Auntie Linda,  I am fourteen years old, with eleven and twelve-year-old sisters.  My mother is a terrible housekeeper.  Dishes were always piled up, garbage overflowed to the floor, and laundry spilled out of the laundry room into the hall.  Last summer, I started cleaning up the house because I was embarrassed to have friends over and see the mess.  Now, Mama rides me to get the work done, fussing at me if the laundry get behind or if there are a few dishes in the sink.  I’ve told her this is unfair, the house was always a mess before and she chews me out.  I am the only one who cleans.  This isn’t fair.  I clean when my friends are coming but I don’t want to be a maid.  What can I do?  The Maid

Dear Maid, This doesn’t seem fair, however you are probably a lot more satisfied in a clean house.  You could have a confidential negotiation with your mom to do certain chores, like dishwashing, and ask her to relegate some chores to the other girls.  Everyone should do their share.  At least that way, some of the load should come off you.  It is unlikely your mom is going to kick in now if she never has.  Auntie Linda

Dear Auntie Linda, I am a twenty-four year old single mother of a two-year-old  I am living with a man who drinks and tries to control me. I work cleaning houses so can’t support myself.  He takes every penny I make just gives me enough bus fare for the day.  I am in an awful situation and must get out. I can’t move in with family.  They are no better off than I am.   I have no skills, did not finish high school, and have no one to help me.  What can I do?  I want to get an education and make a better life for me and my daughter.  Desperate Mother

Dear Desperate,  Call the local Women’s Shelter or a local church.  You can get some guidance there.  You should be able to get on welfare and get financial assistance for further education.  Many women have been just where you are and have gotten out.  Auntie Linda