iscuss the Situation as a Family

DR. WALLACE: My sister and I went shopping last night to buy gifts for our parents' anniversary. My best friend also went along. Halfway through our shopping trip, my girlfriend told me she saw my sister steal a scarf out of a shop that sells expensive gifts. I didn't say anything to my sister until we arrived home, and then I questioned her. She said that she didn't steal anything and that she never stole anything in her entire life (14 years) and that my friend had a "screw loose."

I searched my sister's and my room, and I didn't find a scarf. What should I do? Somehow I feel I should tell my parents what happened, but if I do, my sister might get in trouble for something she didn't do. —Nameless, Rock Island, Ill.

NAMELESS: Tell your parents what happened and discuss the situation as a family. Somehow I feel your parents will not punish your sister if they are convinced that she did nothing wrong.

YOU ARE SLEEPING TOO LONG

DR. WALLACE: During the school year I have to be in bed at 8:30 on school nights and 9:30 on weekends. Even though I don't like keeping these hours, I manage to live with it. I'm almost 15 years old.

Now that summer vacation is almost here, my parents have barely let up. They said that during summer I can stay up until 9 p.m., but I've got to be in bed by 10 sharp on weekends. Needless to say, this puts a severe crimp on my social life.

Since my parents read your column, I'd like them to hear what you think about my "sleeping hours." My mom thinks your answers are reasonable (most of the time). —Nameless, Vicksburg, Miss.

NAMELESS: We know that sleep is essential for all human beings, and proper rest is valuable for maturing teens. But sleep cannot be stored up in the same manner that food (fat) can, so excess rest (more than the body needs) can be said to be wasted. At your age, nine hours of slumber should be sufficient.

Now after all that scientific mumbo jumbo, I think your parents are a bit strict regarding the time you must be in bed, but maybe they know something that I don't. My suggestion would be to allow you to be in bed at 10 p.m. and rise at 7 a.m. These times can vary for special occasions.

UGLY DUDES HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE

DR. WALLACE: This big ugly dude is always picking on me. Sometimes he pushes me and even hits me. He always pesters me on the way home from school. I try and take new paths home, but somehow he always finds me. It's like he has ESP.

My mother says to ignore him and that eventually he will get tired and leave me alone. So far, ignoring him hasn't been effective. I'm not weak, so it might be best if I get into a fistfight with him. He might win, but he would be hurting. Please give me your opinion — and make it fast! —Nameless, Hobart, Ind.

NAMELESS: Talk with your principal. The school has complete authority over students going from home to school and from school to home. I'm positive your principal will know how to take care of the situation.

If for some reason you must defend yourself to keep the ugly dude from picking on you, remember that when you fight with ugly looking dudes, they have nothing to lose.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.