DR. WALLACE: I’m a proud mother of a growing teenage son, and lately I feel a bit concerned since I’ve seen him on a few occasions applying makeup to his face before he goes out to spend social time with his friends. Now, I’m not referring to Halloween; I’m saying he does this on at least a semi-regular basis, and what’s interesting to me is how proficient he is at applying it!
I witnessed my son putting on makeup in the bathroom the very first time. He did not know I saw him and he exited the bathroom quickly and was out the front door in a flash, so I didn’t get a good look at him that night. So, the next time I saw him doing it, I casually walked in the bathroom to get my toothbrush and he looked up at me a bit startled. I could only quickly say, “You look interesting tonight.”
I don’t know what to say or do, or why he likes doing this, so any suggestions or comments you’re comfortable making will be appreciated. I should also tell you that he’s an excellent student, he’s responsible and generally well-liked by his fellow students and even other adults I know who have come into contact with him. — Surprised mother, via email
SURPRISED MOTHER: I suggest you keep an open mind when you speak with your son and ask him what first made him interested in makeup. Tell him you know a bit about the subject and would be happy to give him any pointers if he’s interested in your techniques.
You may be surprised at his reply or even underwhelmed! Makeup does not mean today what it may have meant decades ago, so simply be a supportive mother and mention that your main concern is to be sure he uses it safely to ensure proper skin hygiene.
THEY’RE TOO OLD FOR SANTA!
DR. WALLACE: When are parents supposed to tell kids that Santa Claus does not really exist? I ask because, before you know it, the holidays will be upon us and Santa, Papa Noel and all of his other variations will be in the spotlight once again.
And let’s just say that I feel my cousins are well beyond the age that they should be told Santa is a mythical dude! Yes, he’s a nice, jolly and even cool guy but he’s like the Easter Bunny or Frosty the Snowman — just a cartoon character. — A realistic cousin, via email
A REALISTIC COUSIN: Well, I’m certainly no expert in this area, so my best answer would be that this truly depends on each family’s particular dynamic and therefore is fully subjective.
Now, I know that’s going to be viewed as a cop-out since you likely want a hard number as to the age to cut Santa off. My best guess would therefore be at 10 years old, meaning that kids in the single digits of age can roll with their belief in Santa, whereas those in double digits should be fine understanding that Santa is mythical, but the true spirit of goodwill toward all people and children is the magic that the holiday season is known for around the world.
Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected] To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
