DR. WALLACE: My father married Carla two months ago. My real mother died in an automobile accident four years ago. Carla is nice, but she was born in England and I don't like a lot of the food she cooks. The rule is that I must take some of all of the prepared meal and eat all that I take — no exceptions! My dad and I get into big arguments about this. Carla is usually on my side, but my dad is the boss. Help! — Penny, Chicago, Ill. P.S., I love my dad very much.
PENNY: Maybe the American Dietetic Association can help you. They say that children don't need to finish everything on their plate and should be permitted to choose what and how much to eat. Wise parents, they say, should respect the individual taste preferences of their children and not force them to eat foods they find distasteful.
Is it possible to take only a spoonful of everything and give it a fair shake? You might find out that you actually like some of the English menu.
DAD WAS A HEAVY SMOKER
DR. WALLACE: I'm so happy that you encourage teens to be tobacco free. I read recently that a survey conducted by the University of Michigan showed that the smoking rate among younger teens (15 and below). Sometimes he lit up a cigarette before he finished the one smoldering in an ashtray. He smoked two cartons of cigarettes a week. Dad did his best to try to eliminate his smoking habit, but he couldn't. Even when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, he continued to puff away.
I continue to play the "if only" game. If only he hadn't started smoking; If only he would have had the inner strength to quit before cancer entered his body. If only he could have reduced the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Smoking not only affects the smoker, it affects all who love him or her. I'm living proof. Please continue to warn teens of the latent dangers of tobacco. Life is too precious to see it go up in smoke! — Nameless, Baltimore, MD.
NAMELESS: Thanks for your kind words. Yes, I will continue my campaign to keep teens smoke-free, and the same goes for alcohol and drugs. Yes, I will continue my campaign to keep teens smoke-free and the same goes for alcohol and drugs. Teens will make up their own minds about what they place in their bodies, but I would be remiss if I didn't warn them of the disaster that can befall those who get trapped by addictive substances.
DON'T FORCE THE LOVE ISSUE
DR. WALLACE: I think I've fallen in love with my pen pal who lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. We've written to each other 10 times and I'm positive this guy could be Mr. Right. Kenny is intelligent, has a great sense of humor and is very handsome. We've exchanged pictures and he has written that he thinks I am "cute as a doll." He always signs his letters, "Be good, Kenny." I sign mine "Take care, Jenny." I don't want to tell him I love him, but signing off with "Love, Jenny" might just let him know how I feel. May I please have your opinion? — Jenny, McAllen, Tex.
JENNY: Don't force the love issue. That could be the fastest way to end a good friendship. If love is in the future, it will blossom when you and Kenny meet face to face.
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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