My 14-year-old daughter, "Jessica," is a mature, straight-A student. She's a high school freshman and an avid reader, but I am concerned about what she's reading.

Jessica is reading adult romance novels that feature what I consider to be content that is too mature and erotic for a child her age. I've told her to stop, but I know she's still sneaking them into the house.

We have argued about this. Jessica says there's nothing in the books that she didn't already know about and she should be allowed to read what she wants. Is she right? Am I being overprotective?

Literature is more risque than years ago, but these days the chances of sheltering your "mature, straight-A student" are slim. Rather than censor her reading, stress to her that if she has any questions about anything, she can come to you for straight answers.

Some might argue that the idealized depiction of romance, and women being "rescued" by powerful, wealthy men, is more worrisome than the sex and eroticism. But if you're raising your daughter to respect feminist principles, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Andy's parents gave him a video game for Christmas. There's a monthly payment to play it, and Andy got hooked. He has spent hours on this game. When he crawls out of bed in the morning, the first thing he does is go to his computer to "check things."

It was OK at first. I thought that I'd rather see him at home playing games than out getting into trouble, but it has gone too far. Andy is 21 and needs to get a job. His parents have repeatedly told him so, but his energy is devoted to the game.

Many people have expressed their frustration with his excessive gaming. Should I talk to Andy's parents? By continuing to pay for it they are only enabling him. Or should I let them figure it out on their own?

By all means you should bring this to the attention of Andy's parents. It appears their son has become addicted to the "rush" he gets from playing the video game, and he may need professional intervention.

This is cache, read story here