Dear E.D.:

My parents have grounded me three times because they caught me smoking. I'm not going to quit, but I'm sick of getting grounded. How can I convince my parents that I don't smoke that much, so they should just get off my back? Any ideas?

I've got rights.

____________________________

Dear Rights:

Wrong.

Rights are something expressly guaranteed by the constitution, but the law says you can't buy cigarettes until you're 18.

Sixteen years old is too young to be smoking, even if you don't smoke too much. There is a good possibility you won't be able to convince your parents your smoking is OK. Smoking causes cancer, emphysema and impairs you from playing sports or being active.

If you want to patch up your relationship with your parents, I suggest you quit smoking. It isn't smart and it isn't cool.

E.D.

E.D. [Emily Danielle is a 16-year-old Tennessee high school junior. If you have a problem, write to Emily c/o the Harris Law Firm, 9 S. Jefferson, Cookeville, TN 38501]