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Sending a child to bed without supper a few times in his/her lifetime is not child abuse. It's the kind of discipline that does not usually need to be repeated because the child finds it extremely unpleasant and isn't willing to risk a repeat. (I say usually, because there is always the strong-willed child that has to test a parent a few times.)The underlying truth here is follow-through. When you make a threat of discipline to a child, you MUST follow through immediately when it is tested (as Elly did). It doesn't matter if you later find yourself filled with guilt or remorse or wonder if you were too harsh, the important thing is that the child realizes that you will do what you say and there ARE consequences for bad behavior. Obviously I'm not talking about extreme punishment or abuse. An occasional missed meal, swat on the butt or time-out can do wonders for a child's behavior.

Jan C, Victorville, CA

Just a comment in response to those who were unhappy with the fact that Elly send Michael to his room without supper. For Better of For Worse is a comic strip, not child rearing handbook. I do not believe that anyone reads the comic and thinks "Oh yes, I need to do whatever Elly and John do in raising my own children." Please try to enjoy the comic, instead of picking it apart!

Genoa E, Pittsfield, ME

I don't know, actually, if withholding food constitutes abuse in this case. We've seen some of Elly's recipes on this page -- not feeding Mike might actually be a form of mercy.

Chris P, Boston, MA

I started reading your strip in 1991. My 3rd daughter was born that year in May. Her and April were so much alike it was unreal. I could have been writing the strip about my own child. Her name is Melody and she is about to turn 18. I have saved some of your strips that really hit home. I have been away for several years and was checking online to see how April was doing. I didnt know it was over. So Sad.

Becky G, Auburn, AL

Today's strip is EXCELLENT! I'm sending it to my daughter and anyone else I know that lives this out in their daily lives! I'm now the Gammy, so I can laugh a lot more. I've already had my turn!

Cheryl P, MS

Hi. I have been reading your strip since the early 1980's and I really enjoy the classic strip and the " old new" strips. I do miss the classic strip, but I realize that by continuing the strips many more characters would eventually evolve. For example friends and classmates of Meridith and Robin, April's new life in Calgary. Reading the old-new strips, there are alot less characters and the basis of the storyline revovles around the Patterson family. I have to credit Lynn, for not only being a cartoonist,she in fact is a story writer. The classic strip was in fact a genuine soap opera in cartoon in which alot of people could relate to in real life. I myself included. For moms in todays world, the old -new strip reflects life and views in the late 1970's to early 1980's. Dr. Spock was the mom's bible in 1970's. My nephew and niece are about the same ages as Lynn's son and daughter . When I read the strips I can really relate to instances when my niece and nep!hew were that age. Now my niece and nephew have children of their own and their views and child rearing relate to parents of today. Enjoy the strips!

Cindy, Winnipeg, MB

I'm confused. Upon reading the comic strip last summer I assumed that Elly and John were aging and that Elizabeth was a teen and that Elly and John were taking care of aging parents. Now the strip seems to return to Elly and John in thier younger years and Elizabeth a todler. Am I confusing this with something else?

Bobbie B, Charlotte, NC