DEAR ABBY: I am a single mom with a 7-year-old son, "Jason." We're new to the neighborhood, but Jason has made friends with three boys from a family who lives across the street. The kids are great, and they all play well together.
However, the boys' mother is irresponsible and cannot be trusted. I know for a fact that she steals from stores and dabbles in illegal substances. I want my son to have friends, but I refuse to allow him to play at their home. Am I wrong? How should I explain this to the boys' mother if she asks why Jason isn't allowed to come over? -- MICHIGAN MOM
DEAR MICHIGAN MOM: You're not wrong. You're a mother who has her priorities straight. If the woman asks you why you want the children at your home, tell her with a smile that you feel more secure if you are supervising them. It's the truth -- but don't be surprised if it's a question she never asks.
More to the point is the question you did NOT ask. If the boys' mother is into drugs and thievery, you would be doing the boys a favor to notify Child Protective Services. You can ask that your name not be used.