Megan, it's lovely to see that word 'skelping', as I heard it so often in Glasgow! My sister, I have to say, always talked openly and honestly with her girls, and encouraged them to talk to her. But I think it's quite common for a teenager to find a confidante in another person outside the family. Sometimes it's the grandmother, or perhaps the mum of a friend. I remember I used to confide in a neighbour called Doris, as she was so plump and comfortable, didn't overreact and had lots of time to listen. My own mum was working and there were things I didn't want to tell her (looking back, just silly things which seemed momentous at the time!) Doris was a good listener and I found her reassuring. You obviously have the same qualities for the young people you listened to.