DR. WALLACE: I'm 14, an above-average student and I think I'm a pretty good kid. But no matter what I tell my mother, she won't believe me. I don't know why because I've never done anything to make her think I'm a liar.

Last night I told my mother that I found a watch in the girls' restroom at school and that I turned it into the office. She told me that I was lying and that I do it to get her attention. Dr. Wallace, I really did find a watch and I did turn it in. When I told my mother she could call the school to verify it, she said she wouldn't waste her time.

I really care for my mother and realize that it's not easy being a single mom. But lately I feel like I will never tell her anything again. Help! — Lynn, Newark, N.J.

LYNN: Speak with a school counselor and explain the situation with your mother. Make sure the counselor sees your email to me and my response. Ask the counselor to set up a meeting with you and your mother to discuss why she thinks you don't tell the truth.

When parents who are in doubt, hear the truth regarding their children from school professionals they tend to accept their advice.

Many times parents who found it difficult to tell the truth when they were children believe their children have the same problem. Don't cut off communication with your mom, regardless of whether she believes you or not. You know you are telling the truth and that's most important.

Take time every day to tell your mom that you love her, and share what is happening in your life. This might help her get over her hang-up. Perhaps she will even start sharing about her childhood, or about what's happening in her life now!

SHAME ON YOU

DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 and dating a great guy. He wants to give me a diamond engagement ring and I'd like to accept the ring. The only thing is that I'm not positive I want to get married to him. Would it be wrong to accept the ring? I'd wear it proudly and would return it to him if we ever break up. He thinks an engagement ring is a symbol we will get married. I think it means we are thinking about getting married. What do you think? — Nameless, New York, N.Y.

NAMELESS: When you accept an engagement ring you are telling the world you are to be married, not that you are considering the marriage. Since you are not 100 percent sure you want this guy to be your lifelong companion, don't accept the ring.

Personally, I think that you want the engagement ring just to stroke your ego. Shame on you!

FRECKLES MAKE ME LOOK UGLY

DR. WALLACE: What are freckles, and what can I do to get rid of them? I really think they make me look ugly. — Nameless, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

NAMELESS: Every year around this time I receive "freckles" letters — all from females. It seems freckles bother girls more than they bother boys.

Freckles are caused by an uneven distribution and production of melanin, which is a substance that gives skin its color. Freckles serve as a part of your skin's protection against the sun's rays. The only way you can keep them at a minimum is by staying out of the sun. While they may be an annoyance to you, many consider freckles to be an attractive asset.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column.

E-mail him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.