DEAR HARRIETTE: As I am getting my children ready for the upcoming school year, my son wants to paint half of his head green. I asked him why, and he told me his friends are painting their hair, and he does not want to be left out. I do not know how I feel about the idea. My son is a good kid, and he does not ask for much. What are your thoughts? -- Heads Up, Union, New Jersey
DEAR HEADS UP: Going with the crowd is always something to think about before making a decision. In this case, if the hair color is temporary, it may not be such a big deal. Obviously, you have to decide. Last year, when my daughter was 11, she asked to dye the tips of her hair like some of the girls she had met that summer. I let her do it, and it was fun for a couple of months before it wore off. In her case, it didn’t lead to her wanting to do it again or wanting to do any other trendy thing. That said, I’m sure more trends are to come.
Decide what is important to you and your family and what frivolities you will allow. I find that striking a balance between fun and seriousness is important -- as long as no decision compromises your values.