Son likes Jackson’s music

My 7-year-old son has recently discovered Michael Jackson. I am having a hard time with it. With allegations Michael Jackson of child molestations, it’s hard to constantly hear his music being played by my child.

My son’s interest is at the point where for his recent birthday friends and family bought him a record, an MJ patch to wear on his jacket and a white bedazzled glove.

My son has definitely received lots of instruction about “stranger danger” and such, but do I tell him his musical idol would potentially be a grownup that might want to harm him?

If I told him he wasn’t allowed to listen anymore, he would want some kind of explanation. Or do we simply wait this out until it passes and have a difficult conversation when he’s older?

Concerned Parent

Dear Concerned: On one hand, no parent should quash their own instincts to let something slide.

However, I do NOT think you should actively discourage your son from listening to Michael Jackson’s music.

If you find the right moment, you should say to your son, “Michael Jackson was an amazing performer! But I

want you to know that he also hurt some children when he was a grownup. My job is to try to always tell you the truth about things. So you can listen to his music and love his music, but I want you to know this about him.”

Your son might be interested in becoming a musician or dancer. Make sure he sees footage of young Michael performing with the Jackson Five.

And also introduce him to appropriate selections of the work of other artists like Beyonce, Usher, Justin Timberlake, the Backstreet Boys, Prince, Bruno Mars, vintage Justin Bieber, and of course, Janet Jackson. Many of these performers also started their musical careers as children — and this idea might appeal to your son.

I don’t assume that any artists are angels (Sinatra, anyone?), but because Jackson has been accused of crimes against children, his legacy carries a unique challenge for fans.

Dear Amy: Every year, I try to give up something for Lent. This year I’m attempting to give up alcohol, but I’m nervous that I won’t be able to do it. I’m not a heavy drinker by any stretch, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if I can give up that nightly glass, or two, of wine.

Do you have any words of wisdom for how to succeed?

Tippler

Dear Tippler: Many people choose to give up alcohol, either during the Lenten season, or just after Christmas (“Dry January” — it’s a thing!). For one thing, it helps to “check” your consumption and also leads many people to lose weight from eliminating alcohol’s empty calories.

There are also spiritual benefits to going without. Your fear is exactly why you should embrace the challenge.

Just as you consume alcohol every day, you will have to choose to give it up — every day. The mantra “one day at a time” was never so useful.

If you are able to break this into daily stages, your daily successes will build upon one another. Research shows it takes about a month to break a habit. Succeeding at this could lead to other benefits for you.

Send questions to Amy Dickinson by email to askamy@amydickinson .com.