Dear Family Coach: I know my son occasionally attends unsupervised parties, where some teens are drinking. Do I have an obligation to tell the parents of the kids who attend about the drinking? — Unsure

Dear Unsure: You are under no obligation to parent other people's children. Parenting your own kids is hard enough. I wouldn't call the other parents.

If a parent allows their children certain freedoms, such as attending unsupervised parties, that is their responsibility. Parents often take a "don't ask, don't tell" approach with their kids. They might not be able to handle what they'd find out if they were to ask a lot of questions, so they prefer not to ask. Somehow you found out there was drinking. These other parents could ask if there is drinking, but as far as you know they don't.

Telling the other parents will go one of two ways: They will act shocked before doing absolutely nothing, or they will punish or scold their child. Both situations will be awkward for you. And if the child is punished, it will come back to your son that you squealed, in which case I doubt he would be so forthright in the future.

It's a lose-lose situation. Stay out of it.

Dear Family Coach: I grew up in a home where we watched the news together right before dinner. I always thought I would do the same with my children. But now the news seems to be filled with stories of murder, war, famine and rape. I'm unsure whether watching with them will do more damage than good. What is an appropriate age for children to watch the news? — Newsworthy Dad

Dear Dad: This is a tricky question. Some children are able to hear the troubles of the world and not internalize the information. They don't feel afraid or overwhelmed. These children can watch the news at an earlier age. Other children have anxieties and concerns that would make watching these reports more damaging. It is important to know your children and their limits.

The problem with the news is that while some stories might be more toxic and damaging, others might be appropriate and even important for children to hear. Luckily, there is a way around this issue. There is a vast array of programming for adults and children that is available on demand. Think about the issues in our country and our world that are important to you. Then, search for movies, documentaries and even news reports that touch on those topics. Want to teach them about immigration? Watch the terrific (and underrated) "McFarland, USA." Think they should know about food insecurity? Show them "A Place at the Table." Want them to question business as usual? View "Blackfish," the documentary about killer whales in captivity.

Whatever you watch, make sure to process it and discuss it over dinner. It's far more important to have regular conversations with your children about the issues of the day than it is for you to watch the news as a family.

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.