Recently
What's Worse: Alcohol or Marijuana Use?
DR. WALLACE: The guy I date is a "pothead." He smokes a lot of marijuana. Sometimes he even smokes marijuana while he is driving. He says that he is in complete control at all times, even when and after he has smoked pot. He says that …Read more.
I'm Afraid to Tell My Parents He's 20
DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and recently met the sweetest most wonderful guy in the world at a friend's wedding reception. So far, all we have done is have lunch together twice on a Saturday afternoon. I'd really like to see this fellow on a regular basis (…Read more.
Why Take Geometry? I'll Never Use it
DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and will be graduating from high school in June. I've enjoyed my school year. I've made many friends and have enjoyed learning with most of my teachers. My only complaint is that schools teach things that most students will never …Read more.
Yearly, 7,000 Lives Are Saved
DR. WALLACE: I'd like to know why we have a stupid law in the United States that requires a person to reach age 21 before legally consuming a drop of alcohol. I am a college freshman at Miami University in Florida and if I have a glass of wine at …Read more.
more articles
|
Sports Betting Can Lead to a Gambling AddictionDR. WALLACE: My friends and I bet with each other on sporting events, such as the World Series, Super Bowl, the NCAA basketball tournament, key boxing matches and other sporting games. We don't bet a lot of money on each event. If I had horrible luck and lost every bet, I would be out less than $500. But it would be almost impossible to lose all my bets. My parents allow me to gamble, mainly because my dad is in our betting group. It's my mom who is upset at both of us. She thinks he's teaching me bad habits. Trust me when I tell you that I will never become addicted to gambling. All of these bets are nothing but innocent fun and recreation. Do you think what I'm doing (let my dad speak for himself) is wrong? — Nameless, Goshen, Ind. NAMELESS: Mom is right to be concerned. Gambling addiction is a serious matter, capable of wrecking lives and throwing people into bankruptcy. And as public acceptance of this vice grows, the problem becomes worse. In the past few decades, gambling has become increasingly mainstream by pervading our lives at every level — from bingo fundraisers at churches and schools to state lotteries. There are now 43 states with this form of "alternative taxation." Until recently, only the state of Nevada allowed gambling casinos. Now, many states have them and those that don't are changing their minds; it's a lucrative business. Iowa and Illinois use the Mississippi River as a home for their floating casinos, and Indian reservations around the country have struck gold with gaming palaces. While traveling by cruise ship between Maine and Nova Scotia, a passenger can kill some time by playing the slot machines, poker or whatever game of chance he fancies. According to a Mayo Clinic Health Letter, America's gambling habit has grown from $80 billion a year in 1986 to over $600 billion. And illegal gambling is flourishing alongside the legal version. Today, there are more illegal bookies operating in the United States than police officers to arrest them. If they were all arrested at once, our judicial system would collapse under the caseload. Eight years ago, 3 million Americans were identified as compulsive gamblers. Today, Gamblers Anonymous estimates the number to be 10 million. In the 1970s, most compulsive gamblers were between the ages of 30 and 55, but now the age range is 17 to 70. Movies portray compulsive gamblers as either lowlifes or slick high rollers. "In real life, compulsive gamblers are regular people: judges, teachers, carpenters, teenagers and grandmothers with many outstanding traits," says Dr. Valerie Lorenz, executive director of the Compulsive Gambling Center. According to Lorenz, if you're a compulsive gambler, you're probably competitive, charming and highly intelligent. You like sports. You're good at math. But you have one devastating characteristic — you enjoy the thrill of gambling. While your sports betting may seem perfectly innocent, this is just how many addictive gamblers started out — by betting $5 on their favorite football team. You say you won't become an addict, but I say it's possible that you will. 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. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC. TWEEN 12 & 20 BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE RELEASE: TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009, AND THEREAFTER Teen Needs to Confront Mom about Shoplifting Incidents DR. WALLACE: I'm 15 and really worried about my mom. One of my good friends works at a grocery store where she shops, and he told me that she has been stealing things from the store. He said he saw her putting items in her purse several times. He didn't tell the manager because he knows my mom; he wanted to let me know. I really didn't believe it, but the next time I went shopping with Mom, I kept my eye on her from a distance. I was devastated to see her put two cans of tuna into her purse. She left the store without paying for them. We're not rich, but we have everything we need and never have any problems. We are a close family and I feel I should tell my dad for Mom's sake, but I don't know if that's the best thing to do. I think this has just started happening and I want to stop it from continuing. Can you help me? — Nameless, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. NAMELESS: Your mom's behavior has put you in a real bind, but it is a blessing that you learned about it before she got herself into embarrassing trouble. If she has not shoplifted before, then something has happened in her life to cause her to do so now. I suggest you have a talk with her in private before you do anything else. Tell her you saw her put the tuna in her purse and that your friend spotted her stealing items from the grocery store. Knowing that she's been discovered may be enough to get Mom to talk about what's going on with her. Make sure you let her know you love her, and encourage her to discuss everything with your father. He can provide her with moral support and, if necessary, see that she gets the help she needs. If she doesn't tell Dad, you must. Mom may have a serious problem that she can't solve by herself. RESPONSIBLE TEENS SHOULD BE TRUSTED WITH CREDIT CARDS DR. WALLACE: I recently graduated from high school and will be attending Iowa State University this fall. I graduated from high school with a B (plus) average and was a good citizen. I never was in trouble at school or in our community. I attend church regularly and sing in the choir. I haven't had a job other than baby-sitting for my older sister's twins. My parents didn't want me to work because they believed it would interfere with my schoolwork. They provided me with an adequate allowance so I was rarely broke. My parents are paying all of my university expenses, for which I'm very grateful, and will also give me an allowance for my social activities. That's good, but I also want to have my own credit card for emergencies. My parents don't like that idea. They said they would take care of all my emergencies. Dr. Wallace, I do want the use of a credit card — "just in case." I would never use it recklessly. Without giving a long dissertation, please give me a simple yes or no answer. Would it be in my best interest to have my own credit card? I am a very disciplined teen. — Nameless, Davenport, Iowa. NAMELESS: Yes! At the risk of appearing to give a long dissertation, I'd like to add that learning to use a credit card responsibly is part of the long process of maturing. I believe that college-age teens that have demonstrated sound judgment deserve to be trusted to manage their finances. Parents need to let go of total financial control over their children. 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. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC. TWEEN 12 & 20 BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009, AND THEREAFTER Teen Should Pursue Teaching if She Has a Passion for Education DR. WALLACE: I'd like to major in education when I enter the University of Michigan in the fall of 2010. Both of my parents are medical doctors and are pushing hard for me to be a premed student and eventually follow in their footsteps. They also feel that teachers are overworked and underpaid; they think I couldn't enjoy a good lifestyle on a teacher's salary. Since you are a former teacher, I'd like your honest opinion on the teaching profession. If you had to do it all over again, would you have entered the field of education? Please give me an honest answer. — Jenny, Detroit. JENNY: Your parents are 100 percent correct when they say that teachers are overworked and underpaid. But if you feel called to be a teacher, they shouldn't try to stop you. Teaching is a deeply satisfying profession. That's why many high-profile business executives and politicians turn to it after they have had their fill of the corporate and political world. I did not major in education as an undergraduate at Knox College; after graduation, I entered the business arena. I worked in sales for a large company for a few years, but I felt unfulfilled. In my heart, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and coach. I enrolled at Northern Illinois University and earned a master's degree in education. I started my new career at Hiawatha High School in Kirkland, Ill., and have never regretted my decision to bypass the business world and work with young people. And, yes, I would do it all over again. I didn't become financially rich teaching English and coaching basketball, but our family always had a roof over our heads and we didn't miss any meals. It so happened that my wife, Mona, was also a teacher, and both of our children entered the teaching profession after graduating from college. We are a happy family! What more could we want than that? TEEN MUST GIVE HER MOM ANOTHER CHANCE DR. WALLACE: I'm 14 and have lived with my grandmother for the past two years because my mother was addicted to drugs. The other day, my grandmother told me that my mother was cured of her addiction and that I had to go back to New Orleans to live with her. Dr. Wallace, I don't want to go back to live with my mom. All we did was fight when we were together. Also, I read somewhere that if someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, that person can never be cured.
NAMELESS: It's true that addicts are never "cured" of their addiction, but with strong determination and assistance from professionals and self-help organizations, they can live drug-free, productive lives. I realize a lot is being asked of you. But your mother deserves a chance. Give it to her, along with all your love, and do everything in your power to help her maintain a drug-free life. Just make sure your grandmother will allow you to return if Mom starts using drugs again. And keep in close touch with your grandmother because you can depend on her for moral support. And your grandmother will know what to do if problems arise. 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. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC. TWEEN 12 & 20 BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE RELEASE: THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2009, AND THEREAFTER Important Rules Can Help Parents When Raising Their Kids DR. WALLACE: Yesterday, I visited my best friend at her house and she had posted something called the "Twelve Rules of Parenting" on her refrigerator. She said that her daughter's school counselor gave it to her. I took a copy and I'm sending you the Rules — you can add some of the ideas to the many suggestions you give to the parents who read your column. — Mom, Phoenix. Here are the "Twelve Rules of Parenting:" — Hug your children after you discipline them. — Don't worry that you can't give your kids the best of everything. Give them YOUR very best. — Encourage your children to have a part-time job after the age of 16. — Teach your children the value of money and the importance of saving. — Every day, show your family how much you love them with your words, with your touch and with your thoughtfulness. — When tempted to criticize your parents, spouse or children, bite your tongue. — Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. — Just to see how it feels, for the next 24 hours refrain from criticizing anybody or anything. — Listen to your children. — Let your children overhear you saying complimentary things about them to other adults. — Work hard to create in your children a good self-image. It's the most important thing you can do to ensure their success. — Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems. MOM: Thanks for sharing. Many parents will also thank you. I'd like to add another rule for good parenting: Take an interest in your child's education and work positively with the school and teachers to ensure the best possible learning experience for your child. BOYFRIEND'S VULGAR LANGUAGE WILL NOT CHANGE IN MARRIAGE DR. WALLACE: Matt and I have been together as a couple for over four years. Now he wants us to get married and move to Alaska. His brother lives there and has promised Matt a job with his construction company. I think living in Alaska would be exciting, and if Matt didn't have a bothersome flaw, my answer would be yes. Matt has a very vulgar mouth. Every sentence he utters is laced with vile and despicable vocabulary. Is it possible that, in time, after we would be husband and wife, he would learn to speak without being vulgar? Matt also has poor grammar, but his "I ain't got no" is more acceptable. — Nameless, Lodi, Calif. NAMELESS: There's no reason to think that Matt will ever change his foul-mouth ways. His vocabulary has bothered you for four years. If you married him, you'd be subjected to his vulgarity "'till death do you part." My advice is to end the relationship. True love has no place for vulgarity, which is a sign of great disrespect. 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. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC. TWEEN 12 & 20 BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2009, AND THEREAFTER Mother Should Not be Giving her Daughter Birth Control Pills DR. WALLACE: My 16-year-old cousin lives near me and we are very good friends. She doesn't know her father because her mother was unwed when my cousin was born. My cousin's mother (my father's sister) is 33 and considers herself to be an older "teen." She uses the teen slang, listens to rap music and wears sexy outfits. Last night, my cousin said that her mother made an appointment for her to see the doctor in order to get a prescription for birth control pills, just like her mother. My cousin is rather shy and has told me that she really doesn't need birth control pills; she has not had sex and doesn't plan to. Her mother wants her to get the pills because she doesn't want her to have the same problem that she had as a teenager. I think her mother is out of line with this birth control pill thing. Don't you? — Nameless, Indianapolis. NAMELESS: Birth control pills are no substitute for parental guidance! The last thing a teenager needs is a "quasi-teen" parent more interested in being a teen than a mom. The only one in your cousin's family who needs birth control pills is the unwise mother. BROTHER NEEDS TO SLEEP IN LIVING ROOM DURING THE SUMMER DR. WALLACE: Please settle this family dispute. We live in a two-bedroom house. My parents sleep in one and I sleep in the other. It used to be my brother's room before he went off to college, and I slept on a cot in the living room. Now my brother is home from college on summer break and wants "his" room back, but I refuse to be pushed out. All of my personal items are in the room and I don't want to store them all over the house. I don't think he should come home and expect to act like he never left. I think it's perfectly proper for him to sleep on the cot for a couple of months. After all, I'm a full-time resident, not a part-timer like my brother. I have already done my time on the cot in the living room! Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you that I'm a mature young woman who is 16 years old. My mom encouraged me to get your opinion. — Nameless, South Bend, Ind. NAMELESS: I agree 100 percent with your logic. The bedroom is now yours and should remain so year-round, including while your brother is home from college. He should be a gentleman and sleep on the cot. It's his turn. You already had your turn. CONCERNED TEEN THINKS HIS GIRLFRIEND'S PARENTS DISLIKE HIM DR. WALLACE: Kim and I are both 17 and care for each other very much. We share a common interest in religion, so we are not involved in sex, drugs or alcohol. Most of the time we have together is spent studying at her house or mine, listening to music or watching a good movie. My concern is when we are at her house, her parents almost never talk to me. Because of this, I feel very uncomfortable. When Kim and I are at my house, my parents treat her as if she were part of our family. I talked to Kim about this several times, and she said her parents are quiet and I shouldn't make it a big issue. I'd like to ask them why they don't like me, but my parents feel the same as Kim. Do you think I should discuss my concerns with her parents? — Josh, San Luis Obispo, Calif. JOSH: I'm sure you're jumping to conclusions. If Kim's parents didn't like you, they wouldn't let you date their daughter, much less hang out at their house. Be friendly toward them. In time, they will become warm toward you. 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. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC. TWEEN 12 & 20 BY DR. ROBERT WALLACE RELEASE: SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2009, AND THEREAFTER Parents Can't Force Son to Date and Show Interest in Girls DR. WALLACE: We have two children, a 17-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. Our daughter is interested in boys and has been for over two years. Our son shows no interest in girls. In his spare time, he only wants to work on his 1959 Chevrolet that we bought him for his birthday. I do everything possible to try to interest him in dating, but nothing has worked. My husband and I are starting to worry that he might have a "problem." Please give me your thoughts on this. Our son is a bright young man, but the time should have come when he shows some interest in girls. I was 18 and my husband, 19, when we were married, and we went together for over three years before we decided to marry. — Mother, Frederick, Md. MOTHER: Did it ever occur to you that maybe he is working feverishly on his Chevy so that he can attract the girls, and then when the time comes for a date, he will have his own "wheels"? I'd advise you to relax and allow your son to mature socially in his own time. There's nothing you can do to "encourage" him, except make him angry and delay the process. Please read the following letter from a mother. It will make you feel much better. DR. WALLACE: I'm responding to the girl who wrote that her 16-year-old brother hadn't started dating yet and their family was getting worried. I am the mother of 14 children. My oldest was a boy who showed absolutely no interest in girls. All he was interested in was making model airplanes and helping his father with the horses and cows. On the day he graduated from high school (he was 18), Ethan had never been on a date and never wanted to go out with a girl. When he was 19, he entered an agricultural college. He stayed at school during the week and came home on the weekends. He was the type of guy you could set your watch by. We always knew he would arrive home Friday evening and return to school Sunday evening. Then something odd happened after he was in college for five months. Ethan didn't come home one weekend. We were worried to death and decided to drive over to the college to find out what happened to Ethan. My husband was sure he was sick, injured or in jail. We were very nervous parents on that three-hour drive to the college. We arrived on campus at about 11 p.m. When we drove around to his dorm, we noticed his car parked in the school library parking lot. We parked our car and both ran over to see if Ethan might be in it. He was, and so was his embarrassed date. Ethan had discovered females! Our trip home (without Ethan) was sprinkled with lots of laughs and a few tears. In the next four months of school, Ethan made it home only once, for Easter, and he brought along his girlfriend. She is now his wife and together they have seven wonderful children. — Mom, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. 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. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||



































