Question: School clothes are my issue. My 7-year-old daughter wants shoes with high heels and clothes too mature for her age. Am I being unreasonable, since most of the other little girls dress this way?

Answer: Conflicts about clothes between parents and kids are common. With a bit of diplomacy and common sense, you can sidestep some differences in taste by setting limits determined by comfort and safety.

Before shopping, make clear that overly snug or baggy clothing interferes with movement. Shoes appropriate for active play must be supportive, durable and have heels ½-inch high or less to minimize trips and falls.

Then make your shopping forays fun. Start with a list of outfits needed and favorite colors. Agree on proper fit. Raise arms above the head to check shirt length. Cross arms in front of the body to test roominess of shirts or dresses. Kneel down to check pant comfort and to make sure that the waistband doesn't pull too low in back.

Be as flexible as is reasonable about style as long as clothes meet the sizing rules. For shoes, hold your ground on safety and support. Give your daughter choices among appropriate items so she has a voice in selecting her wardrobe.

Q: Our son has been ruled medically ineligible to play football this season because of a hernia. We are all devastated. He changed schools just to play under a respected coach. He doesn't know how to tell everyone that he's failed.

A: Your son has failed nothing other than a medical exam! His life isn't ruined. To the contrary, his physical exam identified a problem that, left untreated, could potentially be debilitating.

Of course he's disappointed. Teens don't have the maturity to see past the immediate. Make absolutely certain that he knows how thankful you are that the problem was discovered. His well-being is your highest concern.

Help him recognize that football represents a few months in the year and that he will be fully recovered before next season.

Have a parenting question? Call the Family Support Line, 303-695-7996 or 877-695-7996, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Family Support Line is a program of Families First, sponsored in part by the Rocky Mountain News.