Last week, Jennifer said:

Do you need advice on an issue? Other SmartGirls can help! Submit your issue to SmartGirl.

532 SmartGirls replied:

36% gave other responses. Some SmartGirls said:

• I have the same problem. Ever since my mom's boyfriend moved in my mom has been drinking more, a lot more. I found it helps to have the parent tuck you in at night without his/her boyfriend or girlfriend around. Then, ask your mom or dad politely to stop drinking so much, or at least around you. It'll help.

• Dear Jennifer. Drinking is a serious problem, and you should definitely sit your dad down and tell him your concerns. Also tell him (or confront her) that you think that his girlfriend is provoking all of this, and you want it to stop. If you tried confronting your dad, maybe you could do the same with an uncle, aunt, or your mom. Perhaps another adult or relative will knock some sense into him. He may listen to an adult rather than a child. Good luck! :) Laurie-Ann

• If your parents are divorced talk to your mom about it, she may just ignore you, but don?t let that stop you from telling her everything about it. Another option would be to talk about this to a friend that you think could keep a secret. Also, you could talk to your dad about this issue after you have had an argument with his girlfriend (he's sure to fall for it if you put on the water works). I?m not telling you to turn on the water works but if it happens then, so be it. When you are talking to him about it offer him a soda, if he fills up on soda then he may stop drinking. I know this is rubbish advice, but it could help!

• When your dad?s girlfriend is not around find a quiet moment to speak to your dad, and tell him what you think. Tell him that you are worried that he's going to start drinking with his girlfriend. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your dad, Jennifer, don't let this rip you apart. You need to get your worries off your chest. You could also speak to a family member who could have a word with your dad and his girlfriend. Good luck Jennifer!

• Katie, 15.

• You should tell your dad that if he can not stop drinking while you are there then you don't want to come over any more. This should make him stop drinking and think about you. Tell your mother that he drinks and you are scared for him.

• Sit your dad down and talk to him. Tell him that you are concerned. If he only ignores you, then you can't do much else. Praying or talking to an adult who shares your faith might help give you some ideas. Ask God to help you and your dad. Your dad may not listen, but God will.

• I would talk to both your father and his girlfriend separately. Tell your dad that you respect that he has a right to have a drink every now and then, but it has a negative effect on you. Next, tell his girlfriend, that yes, he may deserve it, but it harms you. If your dad cares about you he should be willing to do anything that will benefit you.

• When you and your dad have some time alone, talk to him about it. Try to educate him or at least tell him about the dangers of alcohol. Don?t tell him to break up with his girlfriend; just tell him why drinking is unhealthy. You can also call a teen helpline.

• Jennifer, I had the same problem and I just fixed it. I kept giving my dad a lot of advertisements about what can happen if you become addicted to drinking. I found him just tossing the ads to the side to make his girlfriend happy. I told my dad?s girlfriend that my dad was having a problem. She ignored it at first until I confronted my dad (when my dad?s girlfriend was not around). I told him he had a problem and that I didn?t like the way he was behaving around his girlfriend. He also started to notice, and finally got rid of the girlfriend. That was the end of the problem.

• You should take your dad to the side, away from his girlfriend and all other distractions, and tell him how you feel. You could also ask him to participate in a father-daughter activity or go on a father daughter date. It might help him overcome his drinking for a day. You could also tell his girlfriend that you are concerned about your dad's health. If none of this works, talk to a school counselor. I hope your dad overcomes his drinking problem and from one Smartgirl to another, good luck!

• Talk to both your dad and his girlfriend, but talk to them separately. Tell your dad's girlfriend you feel really concerned, and how his drinking has increased. Tell your dad how you feel uncomfortable with him drinking. Good luck!

• If your dad is a thinker then try this. Next time he is drinking start a conversation with him about how you will probably drink with a boyfriend when you get old enough. Before you thought it was a bad idea, but now that you see him drink with his girlfriend you think it must be harmless. Maybe then he will realize that everything he does gives you permission to do it also. This might make him slow down or stop.

• Talk to your dad alone, and let him know how hard it is for you to go through the change of a having new woman around, and also discuss the drinking situation. You don't have to ask him to stop all the way, just to slow down. Also tell him about how his girlfriend is treating you. If your dad has any respect he'll trust you, and confront his girlfriend. Also, if I were you I'd be kicking that lady?s butt, and letting her know that he's my dad, I love him, and that if she cares about him, she'd respect me and him. Let her know that if she wants your dad, she has to get through you. Talk to a family member too, that way the family member might be able to help.

Thanks to all of you that gave your advice! Please give your advice for this week's issue.