Michael Jackson’s passing made me a little nostalgic over the weekend. I broke out some of his old music and relished the memories it brought back. I watched some of the history shown on VH1 and realized he had more hits than I ever realized. His music and video collections are extensive. I was also able to share two of my favorite songs with my youngest daughter. . . .

I’ll leave the political and religious discussion of Gov. Sanford’s deeds to the editorial pages and instead focus on the character lessons his actions can teach not just us parents but our older kids as well. These are just a few of the many harsh life lessons (clichés and all) that teenagers can reference as they navigate the stormy waters of their personal and social lives.

I am shocked and stunned at the marital infidelity that you have perpetrated. Even I, who didn’t buy your “fiscal child abuse” argument regarding the stimulus money, believed you to be a family man. Believed you to be devoted to your wife and children. . . .

What must a single parent take into account once the decision has been made to date? I am concerned about what I expose my 13 year old daughter to as I start this journey. Even in my excitement at the prospect of dating again, I am her mother first. . . .

This menu offers a taste of summer. Use fresh tomatoes from your garden for the turkey focaccia topping, add your favorite potato or pasta salad on the side and finish with a refreshing slice of frozen lemonade pie. If you purchase a cold salad at the grocery store, you can make the whole menu without turning on the stove.

On a hurried evening, a warm and toasty Vegetable, Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella Panini is a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables.

Help! My son turns 6 years old in August, just a few weeks shy of the cutoff date for first grade. Should I enroll him in kindergarten at the public school even though he’s technically old enough for first grade? How do I know if he’s ready for first grade?

Help! My youngest is about to turn 2 years old. It’s a wonderful time in a young child’s life, when her semi-young mother’s fancy turns to . . . well, potty training.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his Web site at rosemond.com.
Here’s more material that just arrived in the mailroom at the top-secret underground location of the Rosemond One-World Flawless Parenting Headquarters.
Reader Objects to My Favorite Therapist: A woman who preferred not to be identified believes that I am wrong to invent “The Doctor” [...]

The idea that an increasing number of us are victims, and therefore, have an excuse for bad behavior, threatens to destroy the harmony of communities and to pervert the law of the land. . . .

Parents bottom line on “Public Enemies”:
Parents bottom line on “Ice Age”: Wackier and more physical than the other “Ice Age” films, though you will need to correct its biology with the kids afterward.