HOW TO GET TRUST BACK

Dear Jellybean,

I've done a lot of bad things and my parents always forgave me but now it seems like they won't. I lied to get a myspace but didn't think it would hurt. Now they treat me like a prisoner who's four years old. I do all the things I'm supposed to do. I've tried talking to them but they never do listen they're always busy. I'm very open about things I tell them the truth about a lot of things they just don't believe me because of this myspace thing. They leave without telling me leaving me to babysit. I really want them to trust me. My birthday is coming up and I would love a little freedom. Please help me
-Regretful

Dear Regretful,

Broken trust can be tough fix. But you can do it, if you're willing to put in a lot of effort, and take charge of the situation.

Talk to your parents, making sure to choose a time when they're relaxed and free to talk, like right after dinner. Start with a confession, such as, "I know that what I did (the myspace thing) really disappointed you." Explain how regretful you are about letting them down, and promise it won't happen again. Tell your folks that your number-one goal right now is to win back their trust.

Then offer your parents a plan to gain back your priveleges. For instance, you promise to be home by curfew every night for the next 2 weeks. Then if you meet that goal, ask if they'll extend it on your birthday, as a special reward. You get the idea - you give a little, you get a little.

If you're feeling insecure about their love for you, tell them that too. Your parents may not realize that they're doing anything to make you feel ignored or like they're too busy for you. Tell them you love them, and want to feel close to them again. Then stick to the rules, and prove you can be trusted (again) with a little more freedom.