Dear Christine,

MY FRIEND has a teenage son whose language is horrible, to say the least. This boy comes over with his mother and it shocks me to see the way he treats her and speaks to her.

Telling her "shut up" is minor compared to the other things he'll say to her – including some "cuss" words.

I have two little ones, and I don't want them picking up his behaviour. Christine, would it be inappropriate to say something?

– N.T.K.

Dear NTK,

Telling her how to raise her child, I suppose, could jeopardise your friendship but that doesn't mean you have to put up with that child's crudeness in silence. Rather than have a heart-to-heart with your friend, speak to her child directly. Tell him that while he is in your house, he's not allowed to treat your friend, (his mother) with disrespect.

Since every woman's home is her castle, your friend can't quibble when you defend the rules you keep in yours. Who knows? By upholding your own standards, you could help your friend raise hers.

– CHRISTINE