A concerned mother fears her daughter’s boyfriend is hiding something, as he’s never available on weekends. In this advice piece, Eric Thomas discusses strategies for building open communication, encouraging trust, and helping families navigate challenging relationship questions.
Asking Eric: How can I make my daughter see what her boyfriend is doing?

Key Takeaways:
- A mother is uneasy about her daughter’s boyfriend’s weekend absence.
- The boyfriend’s unavailability raises suspicion and worry.
- Eric Thomas provides advice in his Orlando Sentinel column.
- Communication between parent and child is emphasized.
- Personal advice columns continue to draw significant public interest.
A Growing Concern
A mother has reached out with a pressing worry about her daughter’s relationship. According to the mother, the teenage boyfriend in question is “never available on weekends,” which strikes her as more than a little peculiar. She wonders if this behavior signals a larger issue—one that her daughter may be overlooking.
A Question of Trust
The mother’s main concern revolves around the boyfriend’s absence when most people have free time to spend with loved ones. She suspects there could be hidden motives or commitments behind his pattern. Whether those suspicions are justified or simply parental worries, the mother finds herself unsure how to help her daughter see what might be happening.
Turning to Eric Thomas
Looking for guidance, the mother sought out Eric Thomas’s advice column in the Orlando Sentinel. Known for giving practical, empathetic counsel, Thomas dedicates his platform to addressing readers’ real-life problems. In this piece, he addresses how parents can approach sensitive topics like trust without alienating their children.
Navigating a Delicate Discussion
According to Thomas, open communication should remain at the heart of every family matter. Encouraging honest conversations, rather than making accusations, can help preserve both trust and mutual respect—an important step for parents wanting to guide, not commandeer, their children’s decisions. With these strategies in mind, the mother hopes to ensure her daughter remains alert to potential red flags, all while supporting her emotional well-being.