Dear Mrs. McVeigh,
My daughter’s birthday is coming up. There is a kid in his class who is really mean to him. I want to invite the whole class to the party, but feel uncomfortable inviting her. I have seen her interact with my daughter in the classroom, and at events outside of school, and she has brought her to tears on several occasions. Do you think it would be rude not to invite her to the party? If her mother confronts me, I want to feel confident in justifying my decision.
Anonymous

Dear Mrs. McVeigh,
My son recently received a party invitation from one of his best friends. The party unfortunately includes seeing a movie that I do not think is age appropriate. When/if we decline, his mom is the type that will ask me why he can not attend. When I tell my son that he is not going, I am scared that my son will tell the birthday boy the real reason he can not go. What is the proper way to handle this so that no one’s feelings get hurt?
Anonymous

Mrs. McVeigh,
In France, when you are invited to dinner, if the invitation says 8:00, you should not arrive before 8:30, or face being early. In the Czech Republic, if you think you will arrive as little as 8:05, you should call ahead and apologize for the delay. How about in the U.S.?
Vassilli

Mrs. McVeigh,
Is it ok to go outside when the teacher doesn't tell you to?
Thank you,

Kate Burkhart

Dear Mrs. McVeigh
When you meet a friend of Mommy’s and Daddy’s named John Doe, do you call him John or Mr. Doe?
Anonymous