Dear Family Coach: My children are desperate for a dog. They love all of the neighbors' dogs and beg on a near-daily basis to get one. In particular, my daughter, who is often anxious, gets a lot of comfort from dogs. I wouldn't be thrilled, but I would do it. However, my husband is dead-set against it. What should we do? — Dog Averse

Dear Dog Averse: Getting a family pet is a serious decision, one that should not be done without a tremendous amount of thought. Unless everyone is on board, it could lead to, at a minimum, an unpleasant experience or quite possibly a disaster.

There are many benefits to having a family pet, especially a dog. Dogs clean up all the food under the dining room table left by messy children. Dogs are always excited to see you. The sight of a child and a dog, running and playing, can warm even the most hardened heart. Yeah, it's a cliche. But dogs truly are man's best friend.

That being said, they need care, companionship and training. They cost money and tend to shed, have accidents and make messes sometimes. Dogs still need to be walked in snowstorms or in the morning — even if you don't want to. Taking all of this into account, you should be able to decide if your family is really up for the challenge. Weigh the pros and cons for your family.

If you decide a dog is not the best decision for your family, perhaps help your children become close with a friend or relative's dog. Ask the owner if they ever need occasional dog walking or dog sitting. That might be incredibly helpful for an owner who works late hours or likes to travel. And your kids will learn responsibility and get attached to a dog without you having to actually live with one. That sounds like a win-win for everyone.

Dear Family Coach: My son is 13 and is interested in going to the movies on a date. Is it OK for him to go alone, or do you think he needs a chaperone? — Afraid-of-Dating Dad

Dear Afraid: Believe it or not, dating is a skill that is learned. Planning a date takes practice. One must find a location to go. Is there an appropriate movie currently released with a time that meets curfew? If your son decided to head out for ice cream after the movie he would have to make sure he had enough money to cover the costs of the evening. How is your son going to get to the movie? More planning. Being able to make these arrangements shows some level of readiness.

But the learning process isn't just about logistics. Have you discussed how a young man should behave on a date? Will your son know what to do in case of an emergency? Does he have a cellphone to contact you if at any point he needs some advice or assistance?

If your son is responsible, you have had the talk and he is showing interest, begin allowing him to go on group dates or chaperoned dates. Discuss each date, afterward asking him how it went. Eventually, once you are both confident he can handle it, allow him to fly solo.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.