Annie’s Mailbox: Daughter, friend do drugs, drink

Dear Annie: I have been a single mother for 20 years. Four months ago, I was talked into letting one of my daughter’s friends stay with us while her parents searched for a new home in another state. They agreed to pay me a monthly stipend for their daughter’s expenses. This has not happened. I received one check, and that was it. This girl’s father makes plenty of money, and I am barely getting by.

I also discovered that the girl has a significant drug and alcohol problem, and it is influencing my daughter. Sad to say, I believe my child is following this girl down the same path. When my daughter decided my house rules were too strict, she packed her things, and she and her friend went to live with my ex-husband.

I don’t believe my house rules are out of line. I told her no drugs, no alcohol, no profanity, and she has to keep her room clean. Of course, she has not told her father the real picture. She painted me as some kind of ogre. Should I have handled this differently? – Indiana

Dear Indiana: Your ex-husband needs to know that your daughter’s friend is drinking and doing drugs, and that your daughter may be experimenting, as well. Once she sees that Daddy’s rules are not much different from Mom’s, she may return home. If not, at least you know she is in a safe environment. Her friend’s parents also should be aware of what their child is doing, whether they believe you or not. You can’t do much about your missing payments unless the agreement was in writing. But shame on them for taking advantage of your generosity.