'Tween 12 and 20 by Dr. Robert Wallace

DR. WALLACE: My husband and I are considered to be classified as "social drinkers." We enjoy a cocktail or two at a social function and often a "mixed" drink after dinner. Our 17-year-old son has asked if he could have an occasional alcoholic drink at home. He says that he needs to know how to drink responsibly, and he wants to learn at home, not with his friends.

My husband and I are not so sure it would be wise to serve alcohol to a minor, even if it is our son. Your advice will be appreciated. — Mom, Galesburg, Ill.

MOM: When teens are allowed to consume alcohol at home, they are more likely to consume alcohol outside the home. In addition, they are more likely to develop serious behavioral and health problems related to the use of alcohol.

I'm sorry, but I don't accept the term "social drinker." You either drink or you don't. Some drinkers who consume alcohol almost daily call themselves "social drinkers." The term sounds better than what they probably are: "social alcoholics."

YOUR BOYFRIEND COULD BE A CON MAN

DR. WALLACE: Josh and I attend the same church. We are both 17, have similar interests, and I was happy when he asked me to see a movie with him. He picked me up, met my parents and even opened the car door for me. When we got to the theater, he fumbled around looking for his wallet and said, "I goofed. I forgot to bring my wallet with me." Fortunately, I always keep a $20 bill in my purse for emergency money, so I paid for the tickets.

We agreed to see another movie the following week.

When he picked me up, I asked him if he brought his wallet and he said yes. When we got to the movie, he pulled out his wallet and said, "Uh, oh, I forgot to cash the check my grandparents gave me for my birthday." He showed me a check; it was for $100. Again, I paid for the movie because my dad had replenished my wallet with my emergency money.

I told my parents about Josh's "mysterious disappearance or lack of funds," and asked for their evaluation of the fact that he owed me $40. My dad said he was a con man and advised me to forget the money, but not to date him again.

My mom thinks he might have made two honest mistakes and I should give him one more chance, but when he comes to our house to pick me up, I should ask him to "show me the money." If he doesn't have it, he definitely is a con man and should be told to hit the road. Which plan do you prefer? I'm leaning toward my mother's, but my dad's plan also makes sense. — Hannah, Charlotte, N.C.

HANNAH: I would agree with your mother's plan if Josh had produced the funds for date No. 2, but since he gave you another sad story and didn't offer to repay you, I agree with Dad. Josh might not be a con man, but he's irresponsible and, at the least, self-sabotaging. When it comes to fiscal responsibility, two strikes means you're out.

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. E-mail him at rwallace@galesburg.net. 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.

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