Dear Mrs. Goldman, I am a reader. My children always see me reading something—magazines, novels, newspapers, recipes, patterns, their homework, and more. Like me, my oldest son (14) is a voracious reader; in fact, he can’t fall asleep at night without reading first for 30 minutes or so. My younger son (9) wants nothing to do with voluntary reading. However, he does well in school, completes all of his assignments, and is on the honor roll. When it comes to reading for enjoyment, my younger son is just not interested. I have tried to entice him with books I loved as a child and books his brother loved at his age, but without success. What can I do to inspire him to love reading? –Nina C.

Dear Nina, your problem is common for boys and girls your son’s age. Here are a few things to consider: Is your son over-scheduled? If he is overly busy with schoolwork, sports, clubs, and other activities, he may be too tired at the end of the day to pick up a book and enjoy it. If that is the case for your son, try something relaxing like visiting a library or a bookstore on weekends or school vacations.

If your child would rather watch TV or play on a computer, then you have a window of opportunity to reach him. You might spark his interest with a book based on a movie he enjoyed. If he loved the Harry Potter films, try reading one of those books with him. Even at his age, kids love to be read to.

Today, “graphic novels” are popular. I know the name suggests comic books, but graphic novels are hard bound and look just like books! One series, called Time Soldiers, is based on the adventures of four time-traveling young boys. In addition to graphic novels, look for traditional books about dinosaurs, young King Arthur, Samurai soldiers, pirates, and mummies. These are topics that usually interest boys and girls alike.

The Choose Your Own Adventure series has been around for a long time. Each book has built-in stops at strategic points in the story. The reader then decides how the story continues. (Turn to page 35 if the team travels by airplane. Turn to page 38 if they travel by boat.) Choices occur throughout the book. Your son will feel ownership with this series, since he will be controlling what happens next in the story. And he can reread the book many times, changing the story line with each sitting.

Don’t forget Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey, and books by R. L. Stine. While these titles may not be considered “great” literature, they might be effective at encouraging your son to start reading and then keep reading. Eventually, your child will outgrow these books and look elsewhere for new experiences.

Here are some books that offer great picks for young readers: Best Books for Kids Who [think they] Hate to Read by Laura Backes and How to Get Your Child to Love Reading by Esme Raji Codell. Their pages are filled with suggestions for kids of all ages and interests.

Recognize your child’s interests.If your son has a keen interest in science, try Magic School Bus books. The hilarious adventures of Mrs. Frizzle are educational and easy to read. If your child is interested in history, try books about the Civil War, ancient Egypt, or Greek myths. If your child only has eyes for skateboarding, surfing, football, or baseball, try books by Matt Christopher. He is an author who writes about sports in stories that children enjoy.

Shoplifters as Role Models, by Nesta Aharoni

Did you happen to see this headline in the newspaper last month: “Suspected Thieves Taking after Elders”? Well, I sure did. After a quick double take and a swift rereading of the title, I thought, “What in the world is this journalist writing about?” I decided to examine the article further.

The body of the piece described how three generations of one family—grandmother, daughter, and grandchildren—demonstrated family unity by stealing $900 worth of Target merchandise—together. Isn’t that lovely? Don’t you enjoy hearing about family camaraderie that is enhanced by shared hobbies and activities? Do you want to know the ages of the kids? Five, eight, fourteen, and seventeen.

When I wrote My Goodness: My Kids, I covered solid topics—like punishment, grades, and chores—and related them to goodness. But my adult children told me that I should not overlook the impact parental role modeling has had on their character. There you go, Parents. If you play your cards right, your kids will be spouting wisdom to you one day.

My kids wanted me to reinforce what they learned as children: that it is the obligation of parents to be walking, breathing examples of decency. The activities we adults engage in and the decisions we make affect the moral fiber of our children. When character issues crop up (like cheating on a test, hurting a friend, or stealing a candy bar) we must strengthen our parental defenses. It is essential—for our children, our families, and our communities—that we teach our children the significance of being true to a code of ethics.

Society will be a better, kinder, and safer place if parents commit to setting their “standards” bar high.  Moms and Dads, your kids are watching you. They can end up being charged with grand theft, like the children born into the close-knit family I described above. Or they can decide to help a friend, contribute to a cause, and act on principle, just as they have seen you do many times before.

If we want our children to contribute to a good society, honesty and integrity must live and thrive under our parental skins. It is imperative that we seek the right path—each and every time—not the one that is easy. And while we are at it, we should do all we can to help our children integrate this process into their personalities.

Question: Dear Dr. Essig,

 I am 16 years old, pregnant, and scared. I’m a straight-A student, and I know better than to get myself into this mess. My mom and dad are the best parents any teenager could dream of. They have talked to me about sex and how easy it is for two people to go “too far.” How can I raise a child of my own when I’m not even a responsible teenager?My parents have never let me down! I’ve always been able to talk to them about my problems, both large and small. But their hearts will be broken over this. Their hopes for me will go up in smoke. They may never trust me again!

My 26-year-old brother, whom I have always looked up to, will be disappointed in me too. I’m his baby sister. I’m not supposed to be having a baby!

Please help me! I don’t know what to do or who to talk to.

Answer: You have a serious problem, and you will not be able to solve it alone. Talk to your mom and dad. The first meeting you have with them about your pregnancy will be the most difficult. Learning about your situation will not be easy for your parents! Yes, you are carrying your baby, but he or she is also their grandchild. Expect your parents to shed tears when you tell them; have a large box of tissues handy. It’s up to you whether you want your big brother with you when you break the news.

You and your parents should face this as a team and seek professional counseling together. There are different ways to approach this. If you have a clergyperson, consider speaking with him or her. Professional counselors also can be helpful. It is important that you feel comfortable with whomever you chose to confide in. A family doctor may be able to give you some good counseling referrals.

You are young and lacking experience, so you must rely on your parents. Your mom and dad are the keys to getting you through this ordeal with the least amount of emotional trauma. After you speak to your parents, share this letter with them.

I am not going to “sugar coat” your situation. Whatever you decide, the results will be difficult for you and your parents. Although you will never forget this event, time will heal the severity of your pain. As you continue on with your life, you will learn to manage the memories and emotions that arise. After a period of time, your parents will begin to worry about you less and trust in you more.

Lean on your family during this difficult time…your mom, your dad, and your brother. Seek counseling. Your family will get through this by supporting one another. I wish you the best of luck.