DR. WALLACE: My husband and I have two children, both girls and slightly less than two years apart in age.

Recently, we decided to give both of our girls piano lessons, and for a month they both dutifully went to these lessons and learned a few basics regarding the piano and how to play. To our utter surprise, our youngest daughter couldn't get enough of the piano, and all she did was talk about when her next lesson was coming up, but our older daughter soon lost interest and actually came to me begging me not to make her go to piano lessons anymore. They both went to lessons separately on different days of the week, so they didn't see each other getting their lessons. I mention this because at first I thought that perhaps our eldest daughter felt intimidated that her younger sister was picking up on the piano much more quickly than she was, but that actually is not the case, as they have never played in front of each other.

We will absolutely allow our youngest daughter to continue her piano lessons, but should we let our eldest quit this early? I've often heard that having children take music lessons is good for their minds, and I don't want her to miss out unnecessarily. — A Surprised Mother, via email

A SURPRISED MOTHER: My advice would be to allow your eldest daughter to stop taking piano lessons and offer her different activities instead. You can stick with music as a first suggestion if you like, meaning she could take guitar, drums or voice lessons if she's interested in music in another form. But if she's not, you can provide her with other potential activities such as sports she may be interested in, painting lessons, arts and crafts or anything else you can think of that she may enjoy. You should talk with your eldest and ask her what activities she's interested in and what she would like to learn.

My experience over the years in speaking with thousands of families molded my opinion on this matter. "Forcing" a child to take lessons in something they don't enjoy is generally not a good thing. Finding them something they are enthusiastic about, and that you approve of, absolutely is.

MY DAUGHTER'S FRIEND HAS SHARED WORRISOME IDEAS

DR. WALLACE: My daughter has three or four good friends, and apparently one of them comes from a broken home. I don't know all of the details, but my daughter has said that this girl's home life has been unbearable at times.

Recently, my daughter confided in me that this particular friend has been telling her other friends at school, including my daughter, that she is seriously thinking about running away from home. Apparently, she's been checking on bus transportation, the cost of tickets and trying to figure out what city she would go to. This level of detail makes me think that this is really happening and perhaps imminent, not just idle talk.

Should I get involved here or just mind my business since sometimes girls say crazy things to their friends at school? All these girls are between the ages of 12 and 13. — It Sounded Serious to Me, via email

IT SOUNDED SERIOUS TO ME: Yes, I would take action immediately. You have the option of contacting this girl's parents or sharing what you know with the administration of the school that your daughter and this girl attend. You should also make your local law enforcement authorities aware of what you have heard.

If this girl is truly thinking of doing this, your quick intervention could literally save her life. This is not a time to hesitate or think carefully and debate in your mind what to do or not do. This girl's very life could be in danger. As a responsible adult, you owe it to her, her family and yourself to report what you know immediately.

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. 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.

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