Dear Family Coach: My kids don't always finish the lunch we pack for them to eat at school or camp. If they're hungry when they get home in the afternoon I insist they finish their lunch before they have a snack. Is there anything wrong with this? — No- More-Waste Dad

Dear Dad: In theory there is nothing wrong with asking your children to finish the lunch you prepared for them. I understand the frustration of throwing out perfectly good food because your child didn't eat it the first go-around. But I have to say that lunch really doesn't look as appetizing at 4 p.m. as it did at, say, 11:30 a.m. If you pack food with a cold pack or in a thermos it will have long returned to room temperature by then. And, a turkey and cheese sandwich that sat out in the sun after lunch while your kids had recess may not even be safe to eat after school.

If your kids regularly bring food home uneaten I would rethink lunch. Maybe pack a much smaller lunch, one that seems more like a snack. Children can be quite distracted in the cafeteria. A smaller lunch would improve the likelihood of success. Also, reassess what you are making for them. Maybe you daughter used to love salami sandwiches and wanted solely those day after day, but now she is sick of them. Try to change it up a bit. Don't pack the same fruit or sandwich or flavor of yogurt every day. A little diversity might do the trick.

Dear Family Coach: I'm finding it impossible to schedule play dates for my children and befriend other moms in the process. Just about every time I try to schedule something, the other mom cancels at the last minute or we just get stood up. Sometimes there's no apology, and there's rarely ever an attempt to reschedule. I'm nearly giving. Do you have any advice? — Stood-Up Mom

Dear Stood Up: On behalf of moms everywhere I would like to apologize for this unbecoming behavior. It must really hurt to be looking for some company only to be shut down. But try not to lose hope. There are mommy friends out there for you.

Your children could obviously benefit from play dates. It is fun to play with other children's toys and good for them to socialize outside your home. But what parents don't talk about as often is how important it is for parents to socialize, especially for those who have are responsible for caring for the children day to day. Being a stay-at-home or work-from-home parent is isolating and can make parenting feel much more burdensome.

I have to wonder why parents aren't being receptive to you. Could you be too aggressive in your efforts? Are you looking for friends in all the wrong places? Just because your kids go to school together doesn't mean you are a good match. Start looking for friends in places where there is a higher probability of finding like-minded parents. Maybe your religious institution has a parenting group you could join. If you love the gym, maybe find a family sports club where you and the kids could socialize. Lastly, if you can't find your people in an existing group, start your own. Create a local meet-up for parents who have children of similar ages. Then, sit back and watch others who are looking for friendship join in. Don't give up.

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.