DEAR HARRIETTE: I took my two daughters to a concert to see their favorite television star perform. When it came time for the star's performance, it was not what I expected. The image she portrayed on television was a clean and positive image; however, that was not the case when my family and I saw her on stage. The concert was vulgar and inappropriate for children under 17 years old. My children were confused, and I was shocked and embarrassed because I had to explain the performance to my girls. I work hard, and I wanted to have a good time with them.

I wish there were a ratings system for concerts -- something similar to the way they rate movies. That way, you will know in advance what kind of concert you are planning to see. Do you think that is a good idea? -- Ratings System, Atlanta

DEAR RATINGS SYSTEM: That is a great idea. I don't know that it will happen, but it makes perfect sense for there to be information, at least, that can guide concert attendees on what they can expect at a show. This is especially true for artists who may have started out appealing to young people through wholesome content only to transform into something more sexualized.

For example, when Disney star Miley Cyrus began to make provocative musical content and wardrobe choices, my elementary school-aged daughter who watched her religiously on the Disney Channel did not know what to think. She and I were shocked at the flashes we saw of Miley across the media. As an adult, I understand that this was a media strategy to catapult her career. As a mom, I had to explain to my daughter that sometimes when children grow up they make these kinds of choices, and I trust that she will NOT decide to be inappropriately provocative. That is a heady conversation to have with a 9- or 10-year-old, yet it is part of life in today's culture. Do I wish I didn't have to have that talk at that time? Yes. I imagine I would have been doubly mortified to have to do such translation at an expensive concert where we might feel like we were being held hostage. Yes to a ratings system!

DEAR HARRIETTE: My upstairs neighbor is a lonely busybody. She does not work, and it seems like she listens to hear when I get home so that she can call and bother me. She does this to her next-door neighbor, too. She often lures us with food. She will pop down with a tasty stew or other dish and then stay for hours talking about nothing. Sometimes that's OK, but my schedule is not as free as hers. I often want to be in my house without anybody stopping by. What can I do? -- Need Space, Richmond, Va.

DEAR NEED SPACE: You have to tell her when she can't stay and visit. Tell her you have something to do. Don't open the door when you don't want to have company. Put on the brakes. She will get the message eventually.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been noticing commercials for companies where they can take your debt and basically make it go away. Like, if you have a bunch of credit card debt, the companies can reduce the amount you owe and get the creditors off your back. It sounds crazy, but since there are so many commercials about it, I figure it must work. Otherwise, how could they afford to buy the commercials, right? I have a mound of debt and can't figure out how to get free of it. I'm wondering if I should try one of these things. -- Dump Debt, Jackson, Miss.

DEAR DUMP DEBT: Things that seem too good to be true tend to be exactly that. Debt settlement companies are popular in that they do help consumers to reduce their credit card debt, but typically the consumer is left with plummeting credit scores.

What experts recommend instead is to work with a federally accredited company that is affiliated with the Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. CNBC personal finance correspondent Sharon Epperson says that you want to work with a reputable company that can help you create a budget and strategically dig yourself out of debt. Typically, these nonprofit companies offer support free of charge. To learn more about the support you can get through these agencies, visit aiccca.org/.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My wife and I are in a financial bind because of her indecisiveness. She has been unemployed for two years now, and she is the only person I know who can secure various job interviews but never gain full-time employment. My wife has dreams of opening a day care center in our community. I have the money for her open the day care center, but I still need some help managing the monthly household expenses. I asked my wife if she could find a job while she works toward the day care opening. I believe in my wife's dream; however, I still need her to help me pay some of these bills around the house. Do you think I am being too pushy? -- The Partnership, Memphis, Tenn.

DEAR THE PARTNERSHIP: Sounds like you need to create a budget that gets you to your goals. Let it include exactly how much additional money your family needs your wife to earn in order to reach that figure. You may find that having her work in a focused manner on all the details of the day care facility is most cost-effective. If your calculations show that you really do need the extra income, help her to recognize that and assess what kind of part-time work would be the smartest to seek. Then help her look for it. Stop thinking she can't find a job. That could be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, encourage her to find a way to help your family make its dreams come true.

Instead of being pushy, work together with your wife as a team to get to your goal.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 7-year-old daughter has dandruff. I don't understand it. I wash her hair thoroughly and condition it well. She doesn't share hairbrushes with other children. She has dandruff that you can't even believe. I need to get this under control. -- Flaky, Salt Lake City

DEAR FLAKY: Guess what? Dandruff is a common scalp condition for children and adults. I know that doesn't make it any easier for you to handle, but it is important to know that you are not alone in your struggle to get your daughter's dandruff under control.

Experts suggest that dandruff may be caused by a number of things, including not washing the hair often enough or even washing it too much. Oily skin or particularly dry scalps can be culprits as well. Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis may be contributors. Even the weather or dryness of the air can pose a higher chance for you to experience dandruff. (See The Mayo Clinic's thoughts here: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/basics/causes/con-20023690).

There are many over-the-counter solutions that have worked for people, including Selsun Blue and Sulphur 8. I can tell you from experience that neither of these products has a winning aroma, but they work when used together. If you use over-the-counter products that do not work in a few weeks' time, go to your daughter's pediatrician for more help.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am so jealous of my single friends. They seem to have so much fun hanging out at new restaurants and being invited to all the cool stuff while I am juggling work, my husband and our toddler. Don't get me wrong; I love my family, but I miss being able to have even a little bit of fun with my girlfriends.

I don't get invited to anything anymore. I know I'm not part of the "in crowd," but I thought my friends wouldn't drop me just like that. Once my son was born, they came over to visit a little bit and bought me presents, but after a few months -- crickets. I feel so isolated. I love my husband, but he doesn't want to talk about all the stuff that my girls and I used to talk about. I am beginning to make friends with a few moms, but I don't want to lose my single girlfriends entirely. What can I do? -- Lonely, Denver

DEAR LONELY: Your life has transitioned, but your heart hasn't settled yet. Your life is completely different from those of your single girlfriends. They have time to hang out. They do not have your same measure of responsibilities. They also do not have your same return on investment, at least from a family perspective. You may be surprised to learn that one or more of them may envy you.

Envy and jealousy will not help matters here. Arrange with your husband to clear one night every couple of weeks when you can spend time with your friends. Call and let them know you miss them and want to hang out with them. Ask if they are up for a biweekly or monthly date. You can have your cake and eat it, too, though the slice may be smaller!