DR. WALLACE: Our son is 17 and will receive his high school diploma soon. For the past six months, he has been hanging around with "party" boys. All these guys want to do is drink alcohol, smoke marijuana and "make love" to all females that encourage this type of behavior. Our son admits that he drinks alcohol, smokes pot and is pretending that he and the girl he is with are "newlyweds."

This son is the oldest. His twin brothers are 15. My husband and I are very upset with our son's behavior. We feel that he is on the verge of being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, smoking pot or being charged for being the father of some girl's new baby.

My husband wants to force him to leave our house. Our son has already said that he could move in with one of his "party" friends if we toss him out. I want to keep him at home because at least I know he is safe. Please give me your opinion. I respect what you do to help keep teens from being caught up in the belief that they are indestructible. —Mom, Merrillville, Ind.

MOM: Your husband and you will lose all parental control if you force him to leave home. I agree that his rehabilitation will take time, love and open communication, but progress can be accomplished. Continue to include your older son in all family activities, even if it's just dinner out at a local family restaurant. Your three sons and you will have a chance to discuss things together as a family. Family interaction is important and helps the family to understand each other and creates a family bond that is vital in your situation especially.

The three of you, (you, your husband and your oldest son) also need to have a heart-to-heart talk to explain why you wish your son to avoid his illegal behaviors and point out what some of the consequences of his behavior might be. At all costs, do not argue with him, but listen and learn from his comments.

Never give up on your son. If things become troubling for him in the future, you will have made progress if he turns to his parents for advice. Always remember that this young man will always be your son, and you must always be there to offer help. Do what you can to be supportive and make his life a little better. Being a parent is not an easy assignment and is ongoing forever. Hugs, kisses and open communication can produce miracles. Remember — Never stop being loving, caring, parents to all three of your sons!

MY BABY'S FATHER IS IN PRISON

DR. WALLACE: I really need your advice. I'm 18, and I'm pregnant. My baby is due in late July. I love the baby's father, and we plan to get married in early May, a week after he is released from jail. He was sentenced for selling drugs.

He has told me that he loves me and wants us to become a family. He said he realized that he had not been a good citizen and has had a change of heart while behind bars. He said he will get a good job and support us in style. What do you think? —Nameless, Austin, Tex.

NAMELESS: I'm not telling you not to marry this guy — just don't do it a week after he is released. Give yourself time to evaluate his "change of heart." You will know much more about his sincerity in early July.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many of them as possible in this column. Email 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.