Dear Annie: Our grandson died a year ago at the age of 15. His death was the result of playing the extremely dangerous "choking game." Thousands of kids between the ages of 9 and 16 are playing this game. There are other names for it, such as "pass out game" and "space monkey." Kids play it in groups and alone. Playing alone is the most life-threatening.

The game involves squeezing the neck to limit blood flow and oxygen to the brain in order to achieve a high. Most of the children who play this game are good kids who are against the use of drugs and alcohol. Kids think it's a safe way to achieve a rush without using. But it is not safe at all. Lack of oxygen to the brain kills brain cells, which do not replenish themselves. Hundreds of kids have suffered brain damage and heart problems, or died from asphyxiation.

Most parents are unaware that this is something their children may be involved in. Schools teach about drugs, but no school I know of teaches the dangers of this game. There is a website that addresses the warning signs at www.chokinggame.net. I am hopeful others will learn about this practice before it happens to their child. — Still Grieving Grandma in Davenport, Iowa

Dear Grandma: Our condolences on your terrible loss. We have discussed this topic before, but it certainly bears another mention. Children and young teens think this self-asphyxiation game is harmless because it's drug-free. But depriving the brain of oxygen, even for short periods, risks permanent brain damage, seizures and death. Parents should watch for marks around the neck, bloodshot eyes, complaints of headaches, disorientation after spending time alone and paraphernalia such as plastic bags, dog leashes, bungee cords, ties, ropes, scarves and belts, especially if they are tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor.

We hope all parents of young children will discuss the dangers as they would talk about drugs or alcohol. The best protection is honest information.

Dear Annie: I am a 22-year-old part-time college student with a full-time job. I recently got engaged, which I'm excited about. I moved in with my boyfriend a year after we started dating and everything is going very smoothly.

The problem is, my parents are strong Catholics and were extremely upset that we moved in together. They wouldn't visit our apartment or allow my fiance to come to their home for any reason. They still won't, even though we're engaged. His whole family loves me to death and couldn't be happier for us. When will my parents ever accept him? — Worried Fiancee

Dear Worried: Hopefully, when you are married. Your parents don't want to give the impression that they approve of your living arrangements. The same way they don't agree with the choice you made to move in together, you don't have to agree with theirs, but try to respect their feelings on the subject. Once you have legalized this arrangement in church, they will be more comfortable welcoming your fiance into the family. If not, ask your priest for help.

Dear Annie: This is in response to "Get It Right, Please!" whose in-laws insist on calling her "Jenny" instead of her correct name, which is "Jenna."

She should make a huge name tag that reads "MY NAME IS JENNA" and wear it whenever she is around them. Maybe it could inject some humor while getting them to remember to use her correct name. If they slip up, she can simply point to the sign and have them repeat ... and repeat ... and repeat ... until they finally get it right. — Eileen

Dear Eileen: Old habits die hard, and name tags won't help when letters are incorrectly addressed, but injecting humor is often a good way to get a difficult point across. Thanks.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie's Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.