DR. WALLACE: I'm in the 10th grade and quite unhappy because our family had to move from Seattle, Washington to Orlando, Florida because my father has been unemployed for over seven months and we can live with dad's mother here. Orlando is OK, and I love my grandmother, but I loved living in Seattle because all of my friends live there and I really miss my high school there. It wouldn't be so bad if I was only a couple of hundred miles from my friends, but I'm almost 3,000 miles away. I might as well be living in China. Any advice to cheer me up will be appreciated. — Sandy, Orlando, Fla.

SANDY: I understand how you feel. There's nothing easy about leaving your home, good friends, and a friendly city to move someplace new. Seattle is a marvelous city, but consider yourself fortunate that you now live in Orlando. I've been there several times and love the place. Orlando is a warm, family-oriented community; I'm sure it will welcome you with open arms. Make an adventure of exploring the city and all it has to offer.

It will take you a little time to adjust to your new life. Get involved at school and join clubs and activities that interest you. This is a great way to meet new friends. Attend as many school activities (football and basketball games, dances, plays, etc.) as you possibly can. Perhaps your new teachers can introduce you to others who share common interests.

Making new friends doesn't mean you have to abandon your friends in Seattle. Keep in touch by mail or on the web, and an occasional phone call.

As a former high school administrator, I'm well aware that a crowded high school campus can be a lonely place at times. I'm happy you wrote to me and I'd like to see you happily through this adjustment period. Please write to me in a few weeks and let me know how things are going. P.S.: Orlando beats China as a place to live!

SPANKING IS NOT EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE

DR. WALLACE: Do you believe that corporal punishment (spanking) is an effective form of child discipline? I'm 13 and still get spanked when I do something my parents don't approve of. My parents think that you approve of spankings. Is this true? — Nameless, Talladega, Ala.

NAMELESS: I feel there are better ways to enforce teen discipline than to inflict corporal punishment. When children are small and parents can't verbally reason with them, a slap on the bottom is an effective way to get their attention. But when the parent can effectively communicate with the child, alternate forms of effective discipline should be used.

I'm well aware that many parents do believe that corporal punishment is best when disciplining a child and won't change just because I disagree.

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.