Aunt determines to keep girl safe from abusive relatives

DEAR ABBY: One of my husband’s sisters has eight kids, ranging from 15 months to 20 years old. She hasn’t taken care of any of them for more than three years. They never saw a doctor, they didn’t have food in the house, and she was abusive.

How to limit your children’s screen time

Screen time is a hot topic for parents and researchers alike. While digital devices are the norm, and children can certainly use them to their benefit, parents can also help children learn healthy digital habits. Research is still working out the long-term impact of devices on kids.

Overbearing mom stifles grown daughter

DEAR HARRIETTE: Even though I am a college student, I still live with my mother; it’s much cheaper than living in a dorm. I may be an adult, but every time I go out, I have to tell my mom where I am going. If I am planning on being out late, I have to tell her how long I will be.

Tips to help you make the most of playtime

With the right games, toys and activities onhand, playtime can pull double duty, being an opportunity both to have fun and help kids reach important milestones.

Best friend can’t suppress his crush on gay woman

DEAR ABBY: I am a gay woman. My male best friend has had a crush on me for more than a year. It is so intense that he is almost delusional. We have talked extensively about it. He knows where I stand and that it will never happen, and he says he accepts that.

Questions, answers about managing severe asthma

The majority of the more than 25 million Americans living with asthma enjoy active, healthy lives. But for others, despite using high dose asthma medicines and avoiding triggers, severe symptoms are a part of daily life.

Conservative uncle, liberal aunts not talking

DEAR HARRIETTE: There has been a lot of growing tension amongst my family members. My family is normally easygoing and eccentric; however, lately things have been a bit toned down. One such incident that sparked this awkward tension is when my uncle openly stated his conservative political views.

Couple’s trust issues multiply when old girlfriend reappears

DEAR ABBY: I dated a guy for 10 months. We constantly fought because of his lack of trust. He had been burned in previous relationships. He said, “Trust is earned, not given,” which isn’t my philosophy.

Old school bully reaches out to woman

DEAR HARRIETTE: When my friend was in elementary school, there was this boy in my class who would constantly harass her. His bullying was so severe she was almost always crying and would ditch weeks of school just to avoid him. This was over 10 years ago.

Ministrokes require immediate medical care

Dear Doctor: Our mom had half of her face go numb for a few minutes, and she also had trouble speaking. She went to the doctor and was told she had a ministroke. What is that? Is it dangerous? Dear Reader: Your mother had what is known as a transient ischemic attack, or TIA.