DEAR ABBY: I'm 13 and in middle school. We have a program called an iPad Pilot Program in which students are given an iPad for a year to use in daily classroom activities. I'm a responsible honor student, yet somehow some scratches appeared on it one day.
My parents are really tight with money. I'm afraid if I tell them, I'll get in trouble. I have some video games I don't play anymore that I can sell to fix the scratches, but if I do, my parents will find out. I guess I don't want them to be upset or think I'm irresponsible. Please tell me what to do. -- IN A BIND
DEAR IN A BIND: Some wear and tear on items that are issued to students is to be expected. Stop stalling and tell your parents what happened. They are going to find out eventually, and it is better that they hear it from you.