Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999.

Dear Ann Landers: I agree with "Manchester, Connecticut," that satin sheets are dangerous. In my opinion, they should come with a warning.

I had two near-disasters with satin sheets. The first time, I started to slide out of bed and almost went out the third-floor window. The second time, I felt myself sliding, and in order not to fall out the window, I contorted my body and became lodged between the bed and the wall. I was in my underwear and didn't want my son-in-law to see me, so I didn't yell for help. It took me over five minutes to get out of that fix.

My family thought both episodes were hilarious, but I was scared to death. Rest assured, Ann, I no longer have satin sheets in my house. — Trenton, New Jersey.

Dear Trenton: I have satin sheets in my guest bedroom, and so far, it's a draw. One guest said she felt as if she were enjoying the ultimate in luxury. Another guest said she slid around all night and asked that I please remove the satin sheets and pillow case and put on "anything else." I complied with her request. The next letter scores some unexpected points for the satin lovers:

Dear Ann Landers: This is in reply to "Manchester, Connecticut," who warned readers about satin sheets.

Satin sheets have their good points, Ann. My mother had Parkinson's disease for 13 years. Her doctor recommended satin sheets because they alleviated the difficulty she had moving around. Those sheets really helped. People with similar problems should try them. — Thankful for Satin Sheets in Jacksonville, Fla.

Dear Ann Landers: The recent letters you printed concerning parents whose underage children are drinking raises a critical point that cannot be overstated: Parental involvement is crucial to raising drug-free and alcohol-free kids.

The most recent national survey for the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that teens who drink, smoke or use pot are less likely to tell their parents where they are on weekends, less likely to have a parent at home after school and less likely to rely on parents' opinions when they make important decisions. They are also less likely to attend religious services regularly.

Nearly half of 13-year-olds say their parents have never discussed the dangers of illegal drugs with them. The survey also found that teens who have tried marijuana say their friends had the most influence over their decision. Teens who have chosen not to smoke pot say their parents influenced them most. The bottom line? Parents have more clout than they think. They should use it. — Joseph A. Califano Jr., chairman and president, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University

Dear Joseph Califano: Your letter places the responsibility right where it belongs: on the parents. They need to know where their kids are at all times, who they are with and what they are doing. And it doesn't hurt to set a good example. Parents who smoke, drink excessively and use bad language should not be surprised when their children do the same. As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.

Ann Landers' booklet "Nuggets and Doozies" has everything from the outrageously funny to the poignantly insightful. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS

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