DEAR ABBY: I have a close relationship with my grandchildren and their parents. My 12-year-old grandson eats nothing except fast food and refuses everything else. His parents allow it and even have food delivered for him. His 8-year-old sister watches closely and is starting to head in the same direction. What they do at home is one thing, but it’s a problem for me when they visit, especially for three or four days. Help! — FRUSTRATED COOK
DEAR COOK: Have the child’s parents considered that their son may have an eating disorder? If they haven’t, it may be time for them to discuss his eating habits with his pediatrician. Although some children may be spoiled and catered to, others may need medical or psychological intervention. Because this presents a problem for you when your grandchildren visit, rather than waste the food they refuse to eat, have their parents send their food with them.
DEAR ABBY: I am 4’11” and wear a size 5 shoe. Yesterday, my husband and I went to a department store to buy a pair of slippers for him that were on sale. The slippers were kept where socks are sold (not in the shoe section), so there was no chair for him to sit on to try them on like there is in the shoe section. (He has balance issues.)
I then went to check out shoes for myself in the shoe section, and guess what? The rack was so high, I couldn’t reach the box, let alone see what was in them. This has happened to me several times. Short people wear small-sized shoes. And, as you can guess, the largest size was on the bottom. I’m sure shoppers who wear large sizes don’t appreciate having to drop to the floor to get their shoes. Is anyone thinking out there? It’s just common sense. What say you? — SMALL GAL IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR GAL: Speaking as another short person (5’2 1/2″ and shrinking), I feel your pain and agree with your logic. What I say is this: Talk about this with the store manager and perhaps they will rethink how the shoes are displayed. It’s worth a try.