DEAR ABBY: I am a 17-year-old girl in my last year of high school. Throughout school I have made good grades and participated in the band as well as my sport outside of school.
My problem is this year I coach my sport twice a week in addition to playing on the team, playing in the band, and trying to keep my grades up for university and scholarship applications. On top of that, I have a full course load.
Abby, I can't do it all! When I get home at night, I'm so tired I can barely finish my homework or study for tests. My marks have begun to suffer, I'm having trouble sleeping, and I cry a lot. I have begged my parents to let me drop something, but they won't let me. I really want to do everything, but I can't.
How can I get my parents to understand? -- TOO TIRED TO STUDY
DEAR TOO TIRED: Since your parents don't seem to be getting the message, find an ally to whom they will listen. Confide in a trusted teacher or school counselor, and ask that person to intervene for you before your stress level gets any higher. No one can do everything, and perhaps your parents need to hear it from an educator.