DEAR ABBY: My 12-year-old niece, "Amanda," is on her cell phone constantly. She is the smartest kid I know, but she is failing her classes and has started to lie about everything. I raised her until she was 5 -- I was only 12 myself when I started -- so I am very close to her. Or so I thought.
Amanda lives with her dad and stepmom, who are doing their best to raise her, but nothing is working. When she was growing up she never lied, and I mean never. I have told her not to be afraid to talk to me about anything, but she hasn't, and it hurts me that she can't come to me. What do you suggest I do? -- WORRIED AUNT IN WASHINGTON
DEAR WORRIED AUNT: Speak to Amanda's father and suggest that he confiscate her cell phone until her grades improve. If she is texting instead of paying attention in class, and talking instead of doing her homework, that would be a step in the right direction. And continue to tell your niece that if she needs to talk to you about "anything," you are -- and will always be -- there for her.