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Love Is the Key to Successful Parenting
DR. WALLACE: I am a single parent of an 11-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son. I had a lot of problems as a teen because my parents were super lenient in controlling me. Let's say I could do almost anything that I wanted with no questions asked.…Read more.
Give Intelligent Young Women a Break
DR. WALLACE: I'm angry that you encourage all girls, even the mentally, emotionally and physically mature young women who happen to be teenagers, not to get involved with older guys. You are dead wrong in your assumption that older guys and teenage …Read more.
Open and Honest Conversation Is Paramount
DR. WALLACE: Please tell me what to do. I'm 20, married three years and the mother of a 2-year-old son. I love my husband very much, but I'm lonely and depressed. My husband works 12 to 16 hours, 6 days a week. I have no friends, no job and no time …Read more.
My Friend's Mother Helps Her Cheat
DR. WALLACE: We have homework four days a week in world history. I do all my homework by myself, but my best friend's mother helps her with hers. I average a B on my homework, but my friend averages an A. I don't believe this is fair. Both of us are …Read more.
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Vibrating Belts do not Melt Body FatDR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and have excess fat on my upper legs, commonly known among females as "saddle bags." I've tried every kind of exercise possible to eliminate this fat, but nothing has worked. A friend told me that her mother got rid of her saddle bags by purchasing a vibrating belt, which melted the fat away. Is this a way to eliminate excess fat? If so, I'll purchase the vibrating machine. I don't wear tight jeans because I'm embarrassed about how I look in them. — Nameless, McComb, Miss. NAMELESS: Save your money. Vibrating belts do not melt away body fat. According to Gerald Endress, fitness manager at the Duke University Diet and Fitness Center, spot reduction is impossible. Only proper eating habits and regular exercise five days a week (brisk walking, swimming, biking, etc.) will tighten the muscles of the midsection beneath the fat, but unfortunately, the fat will remain. GOING BAREFOOT WILL NOT CAUSE FLAT FEET DR. WALLACE: I enjoy going barefoot in my house whenever possible. My grandfather, who lives with us, keeps telling me that not wearing shoes will cause me to get flat feet. Is this true? My grandmother doesn't think so. She says that Grandpa is wrong so many times that, when he gives advice, she always does the opposite. I hope this is true about not wearing shoes. — Brianna, Brookhaven, Miss. BRIANNA: Grandmother's assessment of your grandfather's advice is right on. In fact, going barefoot is good for you. It contributes to the development of ligaments, muscles and bones in the foot, according to Dr. Alvin Crawford of Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. Just watch out for tacks, broken glass, etc. The only danger in going barefoot is getting a puncture wound. HE'S DR.
DR. WALLACE: I've been dating Randy for about three months. He's a good athlete and quite popular at school. A lot of my friends tell me I'm lucky to have him for a boyfriend. When we're alone, he is the perfect boyfriend. He's kind, considerate, compassionate and gentle — the true gentleman. But when we're with others, he treats me differently. I guess he wants to impress people by showing them that he's a macho man. He orders me around and calls me Stupid: "Hey, Stupid, get over here," or "Stupid, go get me something to drink." He even slaps me on the rear if I don't hurry with his demands. I swear Randy has a split personality. When he is good, he is terrific, but when he isn't good, he is terrible. I've talked with him when we're alone about his unacceptable behavior when we're with others, and he just says, "I'm sorry, and it won't happen again," but it always does. I keep hoping that he will keep his word and be good all the time, but no luck so far. Your advice will be appreciated. — Laura, Houston. LAURA: It appears Randy has a Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde personality. This isn't good, and if it continues, you must end the relationship. It doesn't matter that he is a good athlete and a popular guy; his "Mr. Hyde" personality overpowers his "Dr. Jekyll" behavior. Have a heart-to-heart chat with Randy and let him know that when you two are alone he is very good, but when he is with friends and you are present, he is crude, rude and despicable — that must come to an end. Give him an ultimatum: If he mistreats you again, the relationship will be terminated. Keep your word! 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.COM
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