'Tween 12 and 20 by Dr. Robert Wallace

DR. WALLACE: I'm 14. Yesterday after school, when I was walking home alone, my best friend's uncle (about 40) drove by and asked me if I wanted a ride home. I said yes and hopped in. He took me straight home. I knew this guy because I had seen him several times at my friend's house. I'm not supposed to ride in a car with strangers, but in this case the guy wasn't a complete stranger.

Well, it just so happens that my little brother (a brat) saw me get into the car and told my mom. She threw a fit. Now I'm grounded for a month, and I'm never allowed to ride home with anyone other than one of our own family members. I think I was unjustly punished. I'd like your comments, please. — Lori, Tupelo, Miss.

LORI: I can understand your mom's concern. It's apparent that she didn't feel you knew your friend's uncle well enough to get into a car alone with him. Mom might have been a bit strict with her punishment, but she got her point across. Besides, the walk home from school is good exercise.

I'D BE A VERY PROUD PARENT

DR. WALLACE: I want a one-word answer. Simply answer my question with a yes or a no. Pretend that I am your 16-year-old daughter who makes straight A's, is an all-league basketball player, teaches Sunday school and has a part-time job to pay for school clothes. Besides that, I have never missed a day of school in the past six years, have never touched drugs, alcohol or tobacco and do my homework every night.

Would you allow me to go out on a date with a 17-year-old boy who is a neat guy — a very courteous, safe driver and the president of the high-school honor society? — Brianna, Moline, Ill.

BRIANNA: Yes! (I'd also be a very proud parent!)

WE'RE TOO OLD FOR SUCH NONSENSE

DR.

WALLACE: Ashley, Kristi and I have been best friends since first grade. Once a month, we all spend the night at one of our houses and have lots of fun. We always look forward to our fun night. We don't do anything that would be considered out of line. We generally make cookies, pop popcorn and even make candy apples. We listen to music and talk about school, other kids and, of course, boys.

Next Saturday night was supposed to be Kristi's turn to host the slumber party. Well, yesterday she told us her mom not only didn't want her to host the party, but also said she could no longer participate in the sleepovers. Her reason was that we're "too old for such nonsense." This has really put a huge crimp in our fun. We enjoy being with Kristi. We wouldn't mind if she stopped hosting the sleepover, but it makes us mad that her mom won't let her sleep over at our houses anymore.

Help! Don't you agree that Kristi's mom should give this more thought? We're 14 years old! — Sherry, Battle Creek, Mich.

SHERRY: I agree that Kristi's mom should reconsider her decision. She's certainly coming off like a spoilsport. There is no age limit for good friends getting together.

But don't get upset with Kristi if her mom doesn't change her mind. Continue to enjoy her friendship whenever possible. Of course, you and Ashley can still do a twosome, and it might be fun to invite a different friend each month to share the good times. One of these girls could become a regular. Give it a try.

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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