DEAR ABBY: Why is it that when adults are trying to get to know my children, the first thing they want to know is who they have a crush on? Not only is that an extremely personal question, it's also the least significant part of their lives and not something I want them to dwell on.
Ask instead what their favorite subject is, if they read a book recently they enjoyed, what kinds of activities they participate in or clubs they belong to. Please stop telling them that "surely some cute little kid" must have caught their eye. -- WISE ONE IN VIRGINIA
DEAR WISE ONE: I agree. Young children may "like" someone, but may find it embarrassing to talk about. Another question, in addition to the ones you have suggested, might be, "Who are your friends, and what do you like doing with them?"