This is really not a good idea

Dear Heloise: Is there a law against a young child pumping gas at the self-service island?—A Reader

There’s no law against it, but it’s not a good idea. Having a child “help” by pumping gas can cause a multitude of problems. Kids’ lun g s aren’t fully developed, and breathing gas fumes can cause damage to their lungs and eyes.

Also, children’s handeye coordination is not advanced; splashing is almost guaranteed. What’s a good age to start pumping gas? When you get your learner’s permit. Other safety hints:

■ It IS against the law to pump gas into an unapproved container.

■ Turn off your engine while pumping gas.

■ Obviously, no smoking.

■ Don’t walk away from your vehicle while filling your car.—Heloise

HINT FROM HIM Dear Heloise: When I lend something to a friend, I take a picture of it and caption it with the name of who has it. I might sound like a Grinch, but I get my stuff back!—Gary in Fort Wayne, Ind.

IT IS WRITTEN Dear Heloise: In answer to your reader who mentioned having trouble remembering passwords, I use index cards, and file them alphabetically in a small file box. It is always easy to find the password that I need.—Saralyn S., Dodge City, Kan.

Saralyn, great! Readers, there’s nothing wrong with writing down your passwords; just make sure you keep them in a safe spot. You may tell a trusted family member, in case he or she needs to access something in your records.—Heloise