DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and a very good student because I stay on top of my studies and make my homework a priority, yet I'm also active in school activities. I'm president of the pep club, secretary of the senior class, vice president of the art club and an active member of Young Democrats for a Better America group. I'm also a member of the girls' soccer team, so you can see that I'm a very busy student.

I have a married sister and a brother who is in his second year at Princeton University. I also have a baby sister who is just 10 months old. I love Ashley passionately. She is just starting to walk, and she is the cutest little bundle of joy in all of Massachusetts!

My mom is what you would call a "socialite," and she belongs to several clubs that promote a clean environment or help finding shelter for the homeless. These are all worthy causes and mom gets a lot of satisfaction from her participation. She also belongs to a bridge club, and she plays every Wednesday evening.

With all of my activities, I sometimes get home late after school, and sometimes I also have club meetings that are held at a student's home. Ever since Ashley was born, I have been designated as the number one babysitter when mom has her meetings. I don't mind except when there is a conflict with my school activities. If that happens, I always lose because my mom says she can't trust leaving Ashley with a stranger. My dad is hardly ever home, so he is no help.

I know my mom reads your column because she comments on it several times a week, usually at breakfast, and especially if one of the writer's problems could also apply to me. I also know there are many experienced babysitters in Boston, and I feel it's time for Mom to call one. I even know some trustworthy girls who could fill in for me.

I'm a junior this year and do not want to look forward to babysitting the rest of this year and all of my senior year. I'll be attending the university after I graduate, so I assume Mom will be forced to use a sitter then. Please give me your thoughts about this, as it is a very serious situation for me. — Nameless, Boston, Mass.

NAMELESS: It seems to me that Mom is relying on you just a tad too much.

I understand her predicament. You're a loving, responsible young lady and that makes you the best person to care for Ashley in Mom's absence. Nevertheless, it's hardly fair for you to have to short-change your high-school career so that your mother has the leisure to play bridge or even to engage in community projects.

Since she chooses to spend so many evenings away from home, it's time for her to find a reliable babysitter or two to step in when you, also, are busy. Whenever possible, of course, you should care for Ashley. But when doing so interferes with school activities, Mom should employ a sitter.

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@galesburg.net. 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.