Dear Diane, Three months ago, my husband’s mother died and it’s had a devastating effect on our daughter, who is eight and was especially close to “Mama”.

Dear Diane, I’m not too old to remember my own teenage crushes – there are a few boys who still spring to mind now, not to mention the odd 1970s rock star...

Dear Diane, My children are nagging us to get some pets, but I’m not an animal lover and find the whole thought revolting. I can handle our family cat, and if I didn’t work full time I’d like to have a dog, but my kids are talking about rats, mice, rabbits and guinea pigs.

My husband and I split a few years ago and the kids go to their father’s most holidays. I’ve always felt they’re in safe hands there. However...

Dear Diane, I’m a single mum – I fell pregnant at the age of 16 and was in a very abusive relationship which had me hospitalised six times, two of which were very serious.

My husband and I separated more than a year ago and he now has a new girlfriend I have to contend with.

Three girls at my daughter’s school have committed suicide this year and I’m desperately worried about the way my girl and her friends are mourning.

You’ve probably been asked this lots of times, but I can’t help worrying about my six-year old son, who doesn’t seem very “masculine”.

Dear Diane, oy son's 12-year-old friend is allowed to drink at home and now our son wants to do the same. I guess a little beer won't hurt - even if it's the dreaded shandy we used to drink when we were

Dear Diane, My son has a history of stealing. At kindergarten he was always taking other children's toys. I ...and, apart from a couple of minor incidents