Dear Family Coach: My daughter is constantly wearing her headphones. She wears them around the house and in the car, even when it is just the two of us. She insists she can hear me when I'm speaking to her. How can I get her to take them off? — Tuned Out Mom

Dear Tuned Out: I enjoy music as much as anyone, but I know that it is rude and disrespectful to have a conversation with someone while listening to music on headphones. I'm pretty sure you know it, too, but unfortunately no one has yet to relay the message to your daughter. It is your duty to teach your children what is socially acceptable and what isn't. It is not OK for your daughter to tune you or anyone else out.

Kids need to learn how to act in a wide variety of situations. They do this by being held accountable to standards. It doesn't necessarily come naturally to them, and the standards might be undesirable. But that's too bad. Life is full of times when we must suppress our desires for the sake of socially acceptable behavior. Don't give your daughter a pass here. Put your foot down. Make a hard-and-fast rule: no headphones at the table, in the car or whenever there is an expectation of conversation.

Sure, there will be exceptions to the rule. But be careful allowing them, or your rule will become the exception.

Dear Family Coach: My son is in second grade and still wears a pull-up to sleep. Is this normal? How can I help him feel less embarrassed about it? — Not So Sure Dad

Dear Dad: Yes, it is normal for some children to still have night accidents throughout elementary school. Staying dry during the day and during the night are very different processes. Some children have no trouble potty training during the day but continue to wet the bed long afterward.

While bed-wetting at your son's age isn't abnormal, there are ways you might be able to help him. I would see a pediatric urologist as well as a gastroenterologist. Your son may have an underlying medical condition that is making it difficult to stay dry. Constipation is the likely culprit, even if you don't think he's constipated. If warranted, the doctor will help devise a plan to treat the issue.

I also recommend a bed-wetting alarm. It is a small device that clips onto a child's pajamas. There is a cord that attaches to a pad that sits on top of the underwear. As soon as a drop of moisture hits the pad, the alarm sounds and alerts the child to wake up and use the bathroom. Also, avoid drinks after dinner, and make sure to have your son use the toilet, brush his teeth and then use the toilet once more. Some kids do not empty completely on the first try.

To help your son not feel embarrassed, make sure you aren't projecting any shame onto him. Treat the pull-ups as you would a retainer for misaligned teeth. If he expresses concern or the bed-wetting inhibits him from socializing in any way, try to work out solutions with him. Problem-solve and role-play for if his pull-ups were to be found out and become a topic for teasing. Also, let him know (and remind yourself) that he is not alone and this will inevitably pass.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.