"Over the weekend I was looking for a specific item which I could not find locally. I found a source on the Internet, but I'm a little nervous about doing business with these folks..." More >>

A time-out is something one takes or is given when one needs a break from their surroundings. A time-out is what we need when we're sad and want to be alone... More >>

I can't get one recent caller out of my head. A young married woman had her and her husband's friends (another married couple) come live with them and pay rent for a room in their home.  The married friend and her husband were living with the bride's mommy because they could not afford to take care of themselves.  The caller and her husband "took pity" on them and provided them a room.  The caller was upset because the friend wouldn't sign a contract concerning neatness and other items. More >>

"For the past two decades my husband and I have run a bookstore in our town. Well, we lasted as long as we could, but between Borders and Barnes and Noble both opening outlets in our area within the past five years, we've seen our customers slowly dwindling away, to the point that we've decided to call it quits when our lease expires later this year..." More >>

When asked what makes them happy at school, kids most often answer: friends! Children have better attitudes about education and learning when they have friends at school... More >>

Many modern parents have a very bad habit of coddling their children, ultimately turning them into out-of-control monsters. Here's one scenario:  a driver in Florida left the keys in the ignition and the engine running of his 1966 Acura Integra to run inside an Italian restaurant to pick up a take-out order.  That was just too much temptation for a 17 year old, who with his 14 year old buddy, jumped in the car and drove away.  He was followed by owner in a separate car, police were called, a description went out and the two were apprehended post haste. More >>

When I was a boy, one of my favorite times of year was early September. Why? Because it was then I could look forward to returning to school (later, college)... More >>

Help your children take healthy, productive steps toward their 21st century adult lives this school year... More >>

Whenever we change a behavior (i.e., developing an exercise program, working at losing weight) it's not uncommon to start out all "gung-ho" and then slip back into old habits.  That's the challenge facing one listener: More >>

"I realize your column is for people who own their own businesses.  That's not me, but I need your help.  I am an attorney in a small Midwestern town who specializes in wills and estates..." More >>