Stay focused on children's eyesight
Dear Annie: Our daughter was almost ready for kindergarten and still was not the least bit interested in writing, colouring or even “Mister Rogers” on PBS, and she was always off playing with her toys or in the backyard.
As a precaution, we had her eyes checked before starting kindergarten. Much to our surprise, she tested far-sighted. The reason she was not interested in TV, writing or colouring was that she could not see that well. Corrective eyeglasses made a world of a difference. So please include in your advice that before putting kids on medication, have their eyes and hearing tested.
Went at the Problem From a Different Lens
Dear Lens: Thank you for your letter. My hope is that it helps other parents get their children's eyes tested as a possibility for why they are not reading.
Dear Annie: I've been friends with “Keith” for 15 years. We talk almost daily, enjoy the same things and go on some road trips every year. For the most part, I enjoy his company.
Here's the problem: Keith loves to sneak cellphone photos of people he knows. Invariably, the photos are unflattering, and sometimes they are just mean. He has taken photos of friends who have gained weight, photos showing how they are dressed and photos that make fun of how much they just ate.
One friend has some medical issues. Keith snaps photos that make him look extra sick or photos of his medical problem, such as when his hair is falling out.
The worst part is that he sends the photos to other friends and always writes something snarky or funny.
If he does this with all his friends, I'm sure he does it with me, too, and I told him to stop. It is hurtful and strange. But eventually, he does it again, and I find out by accident.
I don't have many friends, and I enjoy spending time with him, but this photo thing is childish and mean.
He's 56, short, balding, overweight and missing several teeth. What should I do?
Friend of the Bad Shutterbug
Dear Friend of the Bad Shutterbug: Your friend is so desperate for attention that his actions are cruel and borderline sadistic. Laughing at other people's imperfections, or just moments of life, is not funny at all and says a great deal more about Keith than about the person in the photo.
While he might be “fun” to hang out with, I would have a long talk with him about your disapproval of making fun of others and taking their picture without their consent. At least 12 states have laws that pertain specifically to non-consensual image sharing. Tell Keith to cut it out or you will find a new friend.
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