DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and have invited a girl to attend a school holiday formal dance with me. Since she is attractive and popular, I was surprised that she said yes. Now, here is my problem. Last week I was disciplined for getting poor grades and part of my discipline is that I can't drive my car for a month, and that's too late to solve my formal dance problem. I begged my parents to let me drive, but they refused to budge. My dad said that he would drive us to and from the dance, but I'd only accept that offer as a last resort.

I've thought about renting a car (my cousin would rent it for me) and not telling my parents. But if something went wrong and they found out, I'd have my car taken away from me forever. So I just can't take that risk even though it is very tempting.

Please don't tell me to have my date drive. She doesn't have a driver's license yet. And don't suggest that my date's parents drive. That would be worse than having my dad drive. — Kevin, Orlando, Fla.

KEVIN: Turn your problem into something positive which could also be a lot of fun. Tell your date that you are hiring a chauffeur to take you to the dance. Then "encourage" your dad to wear a white shirt, bow tie and a "chauffeur" cap. Have dad open the car doors and smile a lot. I'll bet your dad will be a good sport and cooperate. I'll also bet your date will be impressed.

BRISK WALKING BURNS 300 CALORIES

DR. WALLACE: I'm ready to get on an exercise kick. I'll either jog or walk. Which do you recommend? — Carrie, Houston, Texas.

CARRIE: According to fitness expert, Denise Austin, brisk walking gives you the same kind of aerobic benefits that jogging does. It just takes a little longer. Walking also has some distinct advantages. Walking burns about 300 calories per hour during a brisk walk, builds endurance, and tones muscles — especially in the legs, hips and buttocks. In addition, walking is virtually injury-free.

MAKE SURE PARENTS READ YOUR LETTER

DR. WALLACE: My mom and dad fight and argue a lot. This really bothers my brother, sister, and me a lot. We all love our parents very much and don't know what to do. Can you suggest a way to help us? — Nameless, Knoxville, Tenn.

NAMELESS: Many times parents are not aware of the trauma inflicted on their children when the parents have verbal, and sometimes physical, conflicts with each other. Seeing your letter in print can shock them back to reality! Too often children are the victims when parents fight and argue. Make sure mom and dad read this letter you wrote to me. They should be very proud of you.

I'm sure your parents will reduce or totally eliminate their disagreements, but if an argument does spring up, your siblings and you should never take sides or get involved in the argument, even if they ask you to.

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.