DR. WALLACE: I'm a single mom with a 1-year-old daughter. My mom takes care of little Liz when I'm working and babysits for her if I go out in the evening.

But now the time has come for me to hire a sitter. I've overworked my dear mom too much already. What should I expect from the sitter who will care for my precious baby? I'll interview several sitters before I make my decision. — Mom, Wheaton, Ill.

MOM: the primary job of all babysitters is to protect the children in their care. A reliable babysitter is one who has successfully completed the Basic Life Support course offered by the Red Cross, which includes training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

If an emergency arises, the sitter should know to call 911 to obtain immediate assistance. Next to your telephone you should have a list with this 911 number at the top and your home address so the sitter can give the information without delay. The list should also have the following numbers: your cell phone number and also the number where you can be reached (in case your cell phone is not working), a trusted neighbor's number, a nearby family member's number (in case you are some distance away), and the numbers for the police and fire departments and the local hospital just in case the 911 number does not go through directly in your area.

Sitters should not watch television while the children are awake unless the parents give their permission and the children are also watching. Sitters shouldn't use the telephone for personal calls and should not have visitors. The house doors should remain locked and should not be opened for strangers. Sitters should always remain in control. When in doubt, common sense should be their guide. Competent babysitters are invaluable and should be compensated in a manner that reflects their worth.

YES TO ALL THE QUESTIONS

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and allowed to date for the first time. Please answer these questions. Do you think an 11:30 p.m. curfew is fair for weekends? Should my date pick me up at my house and say hello to my parents every time we go out? Should he walk me to my front door every time (even when it's raining or snowing)? Finally, do you think I should be disciplined for coming home a few minutes late (30 minutes to be exact)? — Nameless, Appleton, Wis.

NAMELESS: YES to all 4 questions.

BE ACTIVE AND EAT SMART

DR. WALLACE: What's the most sensible way to lose my extra pounds and to keep them from returning? Keep your answer as short, but accurate, as possible. I don't need to spend a lot of time reading something that should take 15 seconds. — Nameless, Middlebury, Ind.

NAMELESS: Being active and eating smart are the best ways to lose weight and keep it off. (Should be read and comprehended in ten seconds or less!)

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. Email 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.