Dearest Ash,
My garden is growing, but it doesn’t look as lush and beautiful as yours does. What’s your secret?
If You’ve Gotta Spray…Dearest Ash,
I have bugs! What do I do?
Learn to GrowDearest Ash,
I have the brownest thumb of anyone I know. My family gives me plants as gifts, because I like them so much, but within weeks, I’ve killed the plant. I water them, but they still croak! What am I doing wrong?
Dearest Ash,
Please help! My partner is possibly the most annoying person on the planet. She is messy, and constantly leaving her stuff laying around everywhere. I try to keep the place clean, and pick up after her, but it’s driving me bonkers. She makes weird noises with her cheeks, and she has the irritating habit of clicking her fingernails when she’s bored. I’m beginning to not even want to be in the same room as her.
Feeling Under the WeatherDearest Ash,
I just don’t feel beautiful any more. Most days, I feel fat and stinky. My self-esteem is in the gutter! I’m a busy mom, working full time and trying to keep the kids occupied. When I have down time, which is almost never, all I want to do is curl up and hide!
Argumentative ExperienceDearest Ash,
It seems like everyone wants to argue with me, all the time. I just want a break!
Dearest Ash,
My kids are so rotten. They’re totally hyper and like to break whatever rules I give. Here’s an example: I told them to pick up their rooms, and instead of picking it up, they go in there and play with their stuff. They’re in first and third grade. I yell, and I threaten to [...]
Dearest Ash,
My kids are great in the morning for me, but when they get to school they act like little crazies. They run around like banshees, are louder than the other kids, and won’t sit still. By the time lunch comes around, they are throwing tantrums and the teachers are exhausted. Right after lunch, they’re angels again, but within a few hours, they are doing a repeat of the morning’s behavior. When I pick them up from school, they’re cranky and tearful. By dinner time, they’re my little angels again. What gives?
Step Parenting Doesn’t Have to BE the PitsDearest Ash:
My husband and his three kids and I live together in a small home. His kids are disrespectful to me, and they often will do exactly the opposite of what I ask them to do. When I try to enforce a rule, they either ignore me or argue with me. I’ve tried being patient, and I’ve tried being nice. The kids do alright with their own parents, yet seem to have no respect for me. What do I do?