Daughter wants to learn French, mom disapproves

Dear Harriette: My daughter has the option of taking French or Spanish in her sixth-grade class. Almost everybody in my husband’s family speaks Spanish, so I recommended that she take that. But she has decided that she wants to take French instead. I took French, and while it is a perfectly fine language, I think she can do more with Spanish. What can I do to change her mind? — Change The Language,

Brooklyn, New York

Answer: Your daughter is attempting to walk in your footsteps. Let her make this choice. It is not too late for her to learn Spanish as well.

Your daughter can also learn di�erent words and sayings as she spends time with her family. You can encourage her to ask them to teach her Spanish.

Since you know some French, don’t be shy. Study it with her.

Dear Harriette: My husband’s insurance just changed, and one of my main doctors is no longer covered on his insurance. The administrator told me we can ask for reimbursements, but these bills can get pretty high. Should I just change to somebody else? — Over A Barrel, Racine,

Wisconsin

Answer: Talk to your doctor’s billing office to see if any adjustments can be made. Talk to your insurance company to see how much they will reimburse you. Finally, ask your doctor for a referral. He should be willing to recommend you to another doctor.