Boys

What's your question?
I have a friend group with guys in it, and I really enjoy hanging out with these guys, but my dad doesn’t let me go to school events with them like football games or basketball games. My dad thinks that one of the guys are gonna kiss me or whatever, but they wouldn’t. I know they wouldn’t. Even if one of the guys did try to, I would rip his ear off. I can handle myself. But how can I prove to my dad that I can?

Mr. Bobcat:
Dear Boys,

First congrats on finding a group of friends you feel comfortable around! Jr. high can be a rough place, but having friends that you can feel comfortable with makes it less horrible. So let's get into it. First I want you to know that your dad loves you and just wants to protect you even when it seems annoying or like he’s ruining your life. 
Ok, so you want to hang out with your guy friends but dad won't let you. Maybe something you should try is telling your dad that you are in no way attracted to them at all, that you don’t like your guy friends like that and that they don't like you like that.
You can also explain to him that you're not going to be there alone with the boys; there will be teachers at the games and other adults. There also aren't really any secluded areas at the stadium. There are always people by the concessions or on the fields by the actual football field. There are even people outside the gates of the stadium. Even if the boys tried to do anything, there will always be people around that you can ask for help. 
You want to prove to your dad that you can be responsible and he can trust you with the boys right? So the most important thing to do is to not lie to him, to not tell him they’re not gonna be there even if they are. Lying will create a relationship block between your dad and you, one where you can't trust him and he can’t trust you. Tell him the truth and show him he can trust you even with boys. 
Maybe you need to have a heart to heart with your dad. Talk to him about how you don’t like the boys and that if they did try anything you can protect yourself. You should talk to him about how you think it's unfair that he won’t let you hang out with people you genuinely get along with. Talk to him about how having a friend group to hang out with out of school can really help you with your mental health and social skills. 
The last thing you could do is show this article to your dad and maybe that will help him understand that this is something that is really bothering you.