Hey this is jennifer and I am really depressed, I mean I have a cool family but my mom is so controlling... she is the best mom but she wants everything in her way sometimes I feel like she is trying to live her life through me. She wants my room to be decorated in her way, she wants me to wear the dresses she tells me to wear and she doesn't even lets me to hang out in mall with my friends. I am 15 and this is the time I grow mentally and physically , I need time with my peers but its not happening. I feel so trapped and whenever I raise this topic in front of her she totally shuts me down. Help me because I cannot live like this forever...

Is there a way you can talk to your mom about a compromise? When you are asking for individuality, are you going to an extreme, or only a little different from what she wants?

Unfortunately, until you're 18, there's not a lot you can do about it except try to compromise with her. Is there a family member (like your grandma, or an aunt) that can mediate between the 2 of you?

I know it's tough, sweetie... I was the oldest, and my mom was sometimes the same way. She loves you, though, and is trying to keep you safe and focused, I'm sure.

I also know that talking to your mom pretty much sucks right now. She probably feels the same way about you! Has she given you reasons these are her rules? Or does she subscribe to the "Because I said so" philosophy?