DEAR HARRIETTE: I can't believe that it is prom season already. I am worried because my daughter does not have a date for her special day. I don't want my daughter to go to the prom alone and feel lonely. What can I do to ensure my daughter will have a good time at her prom, even if she goes by herself? -- Prom Mom, New York City

DEAR PROM MOM: First, make sure your daughter wants to go to prom. It's fine if she doesn't. If she does, ask her if any of her friends will be going to the prom and if any of them are going solo. An option is for your daughter to go with a group of friends who would otherwise not have dates. Just as couples sometimes do, they can rent a limo and choose to spend the evening together as friends.

If she does not have other friends going solo, find out if any of her friends traveling with a date would be open to including her in any part of the evening. For example, you could host a pre-gathering where a group of friends comes to your house on the way to prom. That way they establish camaraderie in advance. At the event, they may spend a bit of time together, too.

Essentially, your daughter needs to identify someone or a group of people who will be kind to her at the event so that she does not feel isolated.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a very active 6-year-old son. He is very creative and he likes anything and everything any 6-year-old boy would like. His kindergarten teacher thinks he needs to take medicine to calm him.

Last week, my son had an outburst in class, which left some of his classmates shaken up. I went to discuss the situation with my son; he told me the kids were making fun of him and that resulted in the outburst. I think his teacher went to the extreme in this situation, and I would like to know how I should address his teacher for suggesting my child should take medicine? -- Happy Child, Unhappy Parent, Queens, N.Y.

DEAR UNHAPPY PARENT: Schedule a meeting with your son's teacher to review the situation -- including the recommendation for medicine. Ask the teacher to describe the scenario that prompted the suggestion. Repeat what your son shared. Ask the teacher if he has any tools for defusing outbursts and what steps are in place when children tease other children. Bullying of any kind should not be tolerated.

Ask why the teacher thinks your child needs medication. That is a strong statement coming from someone who is not a medical doctor. Hear the teacher out anyway. You may want to discuss the teacher's concerns with your son's pediatrician. In some cases, medication does help children. But it is also true that adequate time for daily physical activity can help to calm children down effectively. When children feel safe and heard, they often lash out less. If your child was being bullied, the other children deserve some type of reprimand as well.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I started in a new job as a senior member of a work team. This company has a policy to hire people with disabilities, neurological or physical, as part of the support staff. My youngest son is in the autism spectrum, so seeing these people given the same opportunities as "typicals" is heartwarming. I see my son's future opportunities reflected in their successes, which might be as simple as leading an independent life.

Unfortunately, we still have remnants of social stereotyping and unconscious bigotry. While talking with my team, a couple of them wondered why the company had to hire people who "obviously had something wrong with them." The rest followed suit in the comment, trying to turn it into a joke. I took a deep breath and excused myself from the conversation and walked away. In that moment, I was reminded that the biggest challenge my son will have is the willingness of the rest of society to accept him.

Should I have called their attention to the unkindness of their comments? I do not want to abuse my position or create an uncomfortable work environment. I thought about talking to them about it, trying to open their perspective, but it might look like a "holier than thou" affair. -- Dad With Hope, Fairfax, Va.

DEAR DAD WITH HOPE: One of the greatest challenges we have is being able to live the standards that we say we believe. We often have lofty goals. Indeed, our country was founded on some of the loftiest principles. We have legislated many measures to protect us against our baser nature. And yet discrimination and stereotyping are still very much alive. Anyone who has the ability to see when offensive behavior is occurring has the opportunity to help open the eyes of those who are the offenders.

You are in the wonderful and sensitive position of being able to educate your staff on the value of the policy of hiring without discrimination. Yes, you definitely should talk to them about their comments. Do not scold them. Instead, gather them and tell them that you have given a lot of thought to what they said. You may want to share your personal story of the hope that you had when you started this job and how it made you believe there will be a chance for your child. Or you can keep it generic. Most important is that you give them a concrete understanding of the importance of valuing everyone in your work culture.

I read a fantastic book by scholar Malidoma Some, called "Of Water and the Spirit." In it, he explains that in his Burkina Faso, Africa, village when he was growing up, everyone was valued. Every single person had a viable role in the village. Those who were disabled were considered special, often as gatekeepers between everyday life and the hereafter. The point is that no one was considered worthless.

As time goes by, if you remain consistent you can teach your team that every person there is valuable by pointing out what each person is good at doing.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just got fired, and I don't know how to take it. My boss was very kind when she fired me. She explained what we had talked about before, and I understand why she let me go. She even made suggestions about how I can improve in areas that she thinks would be important for me in my life. I appreciate what she said, but it doesn't change the fact that it sucks. How am I supposed to move on? I never imagined I would get fired. Do you think I should stay in touch with my former boss? She offered. But I am confused. -- Still Stinging, New York City

DEAR STILL STINGING: It sounds like your ex-boss was mindful and specific in handling your firing. I suggest you review exactly what she shared with you. Pay attention to the areas she thought needed improvement. Focus on building your skills. Clarify what you believe you are good at as you look for work.

Consider it a blessing that she offered to stay in touch. By all means send her a thank-you note for her wisdom. And keep her updated as you build your life.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I read the letter from Mom in Shock this morning. I feel for her, because I am raising three daughters, and I want them to learn to be kind to everyone. One of the tools that I have used is a children's chapter book called "The Hundred Dresses," by Eleanor Estes. I think this book should be required reading for girls. It is a powerful story about looking down on others, bullying (especially the not-so-overt variety) and standing aside while others are teased. All moms and daughters can benefit from reading this book together and discussing the important lessons it illustrates. -- Another Mom of Girls, Washington, D.C.

DEAR ANOTHER MOM OF GIRLS: Thank you for your recommendation. Interestingly, I think the good news in the land of bullying is that it is far more out in the open now than in years past. Awareness is high. Parents and teachers are paying closer attention to children's behavior and responding with greater tools, at least in many cases. Like the book you recommended, there are programs that are being offered in schools across the country to let children know how to behave as allies, what bullying looks like, how to not be a bystander and how to engage when the moment calls for it.

In addition to the book you have so kindly suggested, I recommend that parents check in with their children's schools to see what programs are available there. If nothing is currently being offered, lobby for that support. Meanwhile, remain vigilant at home. Do not let the little things pass when your children treat others poorly. Point out what they did that was unkind. Teach them how to apologize and correct their mistakes. Consistent reinforcement is what teaches children how to be kind.