Hey! My name is Haley Johnson. This is my mom Tonya and dad Kendrick. I also have an older brother named Tre. These two hairy creatures are Ranger and Lulu,

my two dogs.

Now these two girls are my BEST FRIENDS!  We all go to Central Park Elementary school, and this makes it so much easier for us to have fun, do activities and hang out!

You see... I have a problem at home, and it all starts with my parents arguing nearly every day. Most of it sprouts from my dad spending money that we save for the bills. When I come home from school, I can hear my mom yelling at my dad about us not having enough money to afford his spending. These arguments often ruin dinner, when we all go out, and even family functions.

The next day in school I bring it up to my two best friends.

Haley: Hey guys, I need some help figuring something out. Can we talk?

Ceyanna: Yeah, what's up!??!

Haley: Lately my parents have been arguing about small things and my dad spending the money we use on bills. Every time after they argue, my dad storms out because he's tired of my mom's "complaining". These arguments leave me scared because sometimes it doesn't sound like he'll come back home!

Sam: Gee girly, that does sound like something to be worried about!

Haley: Yeah! I honestly don't know what to do.

Ceyanna: You have a reason to be worried. Sometimes I get worried whenever my parents argue too, but they always get over it the next day. Mom said they work it out and then they're happy again!

Sam: Maybe you should try to talk to the school counselor in the guidance office if you're experiencing these feelings quite often. It may help!

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When I get off the bus, I noticed that my dad is storming off and walking angrily towards his car. I was concerned so I called after him, but he ignored me, got in his car and drive off like he always does after an argument... so I think that's what happened.

Haley: DAD!!! Daddy, what's wrong!??!?!

My brother had not gotten home yet from basketball practice so I couldn't ask him what was going on. When I finally got into the house, my mom was marching towards the kitchen with groceries, and I could see that she was not happy. When I tried to ask what was going on she cut me off and sent me to my room to do my homework before it got too late.

Haley: Mom...Mom what's going on? Are you and daddy okay? Is he coming ba--?

Tonya: NOT NOW HALEY! Go do your homework before I start cooking for the night.

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I get to my room and sit my things down and I am instantly left with the worry of my dad not walking back through the front door or if he'll even be here to eat in a couple hours. I try to do my homework but end up trembling and crying all because my parents won't stop arguing. I hear my brother get home and he come in to help me calm down.

Haley: I'm scared and worried that dad isn't going to come back. Any time they argue I have these times where I get scared and cry... especially when he walks out of the door. I also have trouble sleeping and the next day can't focus in class. I don't know how to explain it or what to say it is. 

Tre: I understand, me too. I get scared when the arguments get out of hand too. You know what, I also feel as if he's going to leave too. Maybe we could talk to them. I think you are experiencing anxiety !

Haley: I don't know, they might get mad. I don't want them to get mad at us like they do each other. But what is anxiety?

Tre: They won't! But anxiety is basically your brain and body's reaction to something that doesn't sit right with you or just to something that you don't like. It can cause your moods to swing and cause you to worry a lot.