DEAR ABBY: You once wrote that you were allowed to read anything growing up -- nothing was taboo. We can all use good advice and be prepared when we encounter difficult situations.
I took that to heart and decided my children should read your column with me instead of my lecturing/instructing them about life. So now they take turns reading the questions aloud. We have a group discussion, and we all give our answers to the questions before we read your answers. If all of our answers are different, we have a new discussion.
I love it because of the topics that come up. My children are learning how to reason, and that people from all walks of life (and all ages) have problems and need help. And finally, I love that my children realize that it's OK to ask for help, and they shouldn't worry or feel ashamed to ask in any situation.
Thank you so much, Abby. Your column is a great parenting tool for me and my husband. -- MRS. M. IN SAN DIEGO
DEAR MRS. M.: Thank you for your kind words. My column may be a useful teaching tool, but you and your husband are using it wisely. While not everyone may agree with everything that's printed in my column, the discussions it often generates are helpful for sharing ideas and clarifying family values. This kind of communication brings families closer together.