Dear Janice, I suspect my teenage stepson is stealing from me and his mother. I’m convinced he is gambling as I’ve been told he is never out of these slot machine places, and I’ve come across numerous discarded scratch cards. I mentioned this to his mum, but she covers up for him and says I’m making a drama out of nothing. Where do I start? James.

Dear James, you emailed me. That’s a start.

Until you know for sure that your stepson is stealing, ensure every penny, and I mean every penny is out of his reach. Little amounts swiped here and there can soon add up. Problem, with this is, he will likely move to stealing other items to fund his habit, so secure anything you think he might take.

This won’t stop his addiction, but it will keep your money and belongings safe.

You need to convince his mum that covering up for him will only exacerbate his situation, because sadly this is a problem that generally doesn’t just disappear.

If you’re on good terms with his friends, share your concerns. This website will give you an understanding of your situation and how to help.

Dear Janice, I was dating a guy for four years when out of the blue he announced he was ending our relationship as things just weren’t working for him. (Whatever that meant).

During our time together I developed a close friendship with his teenage daughter, and despite the breakup we remain friends, meet up for drinks, and now and then she stays over.

Although it’s been six months, every time she talks about her dad my heart sinks. She doesn’t mention other females, but I would rather not know anything about him or even hear his name to be honest.

I don’t want to break contact with her, and I know her dad is a huge part of her life, but I’m on edge waiting on her next ‘dad’ comment. I also don’t want her running to her dad saying I’m still not over him. Any ideas? Lucy.

Dear Lucy, six months isn’t long to get over someone you thought you had future with, so give yourself a break. You will also be upset that he seems to have moved on whilst you are still battling with your emotions but, as time passes and you have someone new in your life, you won’t give a dam if you hear his name or who he is with. As for his daughter, yes, you have a great relationship with her, and in many ways this is a wonderful reflection on you that she still wants to keep in touch with her dad’s ex, but let’s state the obvious, she is the common link between you both and tip toeing around the situation is not helping you one bit.

Next time you are out for a few drinks, tell her how you feel and that for the foreseeable could she refrain from mentioning her dad.

If she doesn’t, it might be time to give each other a wide berth until emotions cool off.

Dear Janice, my partner of ten years had a brief affair and now has a two-year-old daughter.

We reconciled and patched things up, but I have just heard through the grapevine that the mother of his daughter has just had another baby and apparently it looks just like him.

After the first baby, he was incredibly apologetic for putting me through all the stress and upset and said he only ever loved me, so I am finding it difficult to believe he would do this to me again.

And let’s face it, this female could be sleeping with all sorts, so the dad could be anyone.

Reluctantly I brought up the subject (I knew he would go ballistic), but he denied it and says he has been faithful, and how dare I accuse him of this. My heart tells me one thing but my head tells me another. Where do I go from here? Louise.

Dear Louise, how dare you accuse him? Does he remember he fathered a child with another woman whilst with you? Don’t let his bullying tactics stand in the way of your search for the truth, which could be life changing.

I’m not one for listening to gossip, but in this case I feel that you will have no peace of mind until you know for sure if he is the dad. Firstly, ask him to take a DNA test. If he is being honest this time around and is not the dad, this will be a relief, but if not...

If he refuses a test, speak to the child’s mother. Not Jeremy Kyle style, take a friend and calmly and politely ask the question. Only then can you decided if you want to share your life with another family and a cheat. Louise, life can be tough enough, add in a partner you can’t trust, and you’ll sadly learn that this does not make for a content and happy life.

I wish you well.

Got a question for our agony aunt? Email askjanice@glasgowtimes.co.uk