Dear Aida,
I have a problem. I am supporting my ex-girlfriend with whom I have a kid. I usually pay for the diapers, clothing and any other things the baby needs. My problem is that she is trying to file papers to start child support. Will the judge make me pay child support even though I’m supporting her with our baby? Help me Aida.
Sincerely, K.V.

Dear K.V.,
First, you should make sure you have a job to show the judge you are serious about supporting your child. I am not talking about odd jobs either like shoveling snow, lemonade stands, or selling baked goods around school. You go out and get a solid part time, even if you are a full time student. If you really had time to make a baby, you better have time to support the baby. If you do have an actual job, you should keep the receipts of stuff you have bought for the baby to prove you’re doing a good job supporting them. In the end, you should really be communicating with your ex-girlfriend and someone with more legal expertise than a high school advice column.

Dear Aida,
I have a particular problem. I have a friend who is being bullied. I’m not sure whether or not to tell someone because I’m scared of being a tattle tale. What should I do?
– Scared to tell in S-wing

Dear Scared,
You need to go to the guidance counselors and spill the beans. The whole idea of “snitches get stitches” is ridiculous. If we held ourselves and each other to a higher standard by not allowing blatantly immoral actions to happen all willy-nilly, such actions wouldn’t be as common because wrongdoers could be certain they will be held accountable. Also if your friend gets badly hurt, you as a bystander would be as problematic as the bullies. (“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke) You shouldn’t have that on your conscience and your friend needs to know that you’re there for them in a way that’s not going to get you bullied too. Your friend will thank you in the end because the school will take this seriously, and the problem will end.

Dear Aida,
I have a friend who is not a very good friend. One day she wants to be buddy-buddy and the next she’s ignoring me. I don’t know how to address the situation, please help.
Sincerely, A.G.

Dear A.G.,
Sometimes people can be moody. This isn’t pleasant, so if it’s really bothering you that much tell her that. Either she is consistent with you or she can look for a new friend.

Dear Aida,
I have a problem. For senior year I want to join some sports but I also want to get a job. I love playing sports and I want to be apart of it all. I also want a job though; the money would help me with clothes, school supplies and an early financial start on college. I don’t know which to pick, what would you suggest?
Sincerely,
Tony

Dear Tony,
It’s good that you have an interest in work. You can learn how to be responsible and get a little taste on being independent and hard working. However, responsibilities can cause stress. If it is not absolutely necessary that you work now, try enjoying what time you have left of being a kid. Join a sport and enjoy yourself. Being part of a team can teach you some of the same characteristics as having a job. But having a job can also be enjoyable for some, so ask yourself which one would you enjoy more? Which one would you not regret doing? Weigh your options before you make your decision. Good luck!

Dear Aida,
I have a friend that doesn’t want to do to college after he finishes high school because he thinks if high school is this difficult, college will be really bad. I tell him college will be easier but he doesn’t change his mind. How can I get him to think college is important
Sincerely,
A concerned friend

Dear Concerned
Well, college isn’t for everyone. Yes it is ideal and our school’s goal to get all graduates to go to college but not everyone will go and not all who do will excel. College is very important and provides you with many more opportunities to succeed in life, however, if your friend does not go, this doesn’t mean that he can’t succeed. It also doesn’t mean you failed. Everyone has to lead their own lives.