READER'S QUESTION

I am 13 years old and I am really worried that my friends are starting to get embarrased by me.

I know it sounds superficial but they all get lots of pocket money and their parents buy them really fashionable clothes.

But my parents don't give me enough money to buy my own clothes and when I go shopping with them, they don't let me buy the sort of things that my friends wear, so I end up looking really sad.

My parents are quite strict and I don't want to make them angry but I also don't want to end up being dumped by all my friends because I am not cool enough. Can you help?

Ellie, 13, Hertsmere

LAURA'S ANSWER

I don’t want to nag you about 'true' friends, but do you not think that maybe your friends aren’t quite the friends you thought they were?

I know it’s easier said than done to try and find a different group of friends who will actually appreciate you, no matter what you wear, but do you not think it’s worth thinking about?

If a change of friends isn’t going to quite cut it, why not have a set day of the week to help out around the house to earn some pocket money. It sounds like a drag, but seeing that you are unlikely to find a part-time job at 13, helping out at home might be your best chance.

Your friends most likely have to earn their money too.

It’s not your parents' fault, they are just keeping restrictions, it won’t always be like this.

Personally, if I couldn’t get in with a different crowd of friends who wouldn’t be 'embarrassed' by me, why not go charity shopping? To be honest, I love it, I even go with some of my mates.

It’s not all bad. Being a teenager you feel it’s all about what other people see you as, about fitting in, wanting what everybody else wants, but I’d say have your own style.

It’s funny how some girls would change their taste of music to impress a guy, but when it comes to a girl who likes her OWN music people look at her different.

I can ensure you that it won’t always be like this, but for now, I would be proud of what I have, instead of missing what I haven’t got.