My sweet little cleaning lady came in crying today. Her English isn't very good, so I'm not 100% on the specifics, but it involves her 13-year-old daughter. She knows that is the age group that I taught and said that she wanted my advice (yikes!). Apparently a boy called their house at midnight to talk to the girl and she's already worried about her getting pregnant. But I think the bigger issue is that she wants to find her father. Elia told me that he left when Joanna was a year old and is still in Mexico. She added that she's contacted him several times over the years for child support and his answer has always been, "She's your daughter." Elia never told Joanna that and even though she's been remarried for seven or eight years, Joanna still wants to find him.

Now, we all know I'm no expert in child rearing, but I did tell her that it's perfectly normal for 13-year-old girls to want something different in their lives and the drama will probably continue for a while. I asked if they have a good relationship and if Joanna will talk to her and she said yes. I explained that that is a good sign and she should keep the communication open as long as possible. But I also told her that she is the parent and she still has to have rules about when boys are allowed to call. I also asked it she knows her daughter's friends and she said she's seen pictures. Then I said it was very important that she meet the friends and if possible, the friends' parents. And she absolutely needs to meet any boys that Joanna is communicating with. Elia was a little nervous about it, but resolved to at least meet the friends. Next time I think I'll add that she should tell Joanna that when she's 18, she can look for her dad, but for now she's too young. At his point I can only pray for them both.