Dear Janice, my mum and dad argue all the time.

So much so that I pray they break up.

I am caught in the middle of constant battles, and I have had enough.

I am 17 years old and don’t have any means of living elsewhere, but I dread going home after university or work as I’m guaranteed to be in the crossfire of another battle between them.

What can I do? James.

Dear James, this is a form of abuse.

No one should have to live with this daily torrent of tension and sadness.

Firstly, speak to a close relative who may be able to intervene and put your side across to your parents who selfishly haven’t noticed how their obnoxious behaviour is affecting you.

Perhaps after a chat, they’ll realise it’s time to call it a day or seek help for their marriage.

Either way, it would do no harm if you contacted nspcc.org.uk or childline.org.uk which are both free and confidential.

I hope your life improves soon.

Dear Janice, my friend seems to have fallen out with me because I shouted at her four-year-old daughter.

I told her numerous times how rough her daughter was when playing with my son, which left him in tears, but she laughed it off and made no attempt to tell her that what she was doing was wrong.

I got so anxious and upset when I saw my son being pushed and bullied yet again, that I lost the plot and roared at her.

She got such a fright that she started crying and ran to her mum who dragged her out of the park and into their car without so much as a word to me.

I have messaged a couple of times to meet up with her, but she is always busy.

I realise I shouldn’t have shouted the way I did, but I was frustrated and angry at my friend for allowing this to happen yet again. We have been friends for years, so how do I put this right? Claire.

Dear Claire,

it comes with experience that we learn not to fall out over our kids; however, it sounds like you have had a steady build-up of anger and frustration.

I understand why you flipped the way you did, but she is only four years old, therefore any anger from you should have been directed at your friend, who unfortunately doesn’t seem to acknowledge her little angel’s bad behaviour.

Perhaps once she starts school, she will begin to realise that she cannot behave the way she does without consequences.

Until then, try one more time to meet up (without the children), and listen to each other’s opinion.

If not, then it’s best to have some time apart.

Move on and hopefully when she realises other mums feel like you do and are avoiding her and her daughter, your friend might start to question her parenting skills (or lack of them).

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