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No need to send Michael to bed supperless --some Graham Crackers and a small can of V-8 juice should make the "point" --especially if the rest of the family is sitting down to Pork Chops and Apple Pie!

Anna M, Winnipeg, MB

Thank you Genoa E. I couldn't have said it better myself. I always thought that reading a comic strip was for fun and a good laugh. I also applaud Lynn and her staff for doing a great job. Mind you, I have to laugh when some of the antics the family gets into do relate to my family. No family is perfect, kids are unpredictable, we only live once...enjoy life.

Lise C, Lakeville, NB

As Genoa E. points out, it is only a comic strip. After reading the comments that were made during the courtship of Liz and Anthony, however, there may be a lot of people who do not realize that, as they got extremely emotional over the alleged unacceptability of Anthony as a husband. In any event, I think this comic strip has a lot of influence with many people, and it should not contain disseminate inappropriate childrearing techniques.

John, Scottsdale, AZ

Going to bed without supper for a night is not life-threatening. I've lived through it. I was also rapped on the rear with a wooden spoon, denied TV, and sent to my room, and I am still alive with a healthy respect for my parents.

Rebecca, Albany, NY

I appreciated the comic on having to follow through on threats that you make to your children. It actually gives them boundaries and a trust that their parents will follow through on whatever they say. I know that is the way I felt; my mother always followed through on her threats if I crossed the line. In order to make sure she COULD follow through on them, when I made her really mad she would threaten to "do something drastic" in order to give herself time to think of an appropriate punishment... only I heard "do something jurassic". I wasn't quite sure what that would entail... and so I always quit what I was doing because I did not want to find out! After experiencing Michael's side of the comic strip, it is nice to see the mom's side now that I can appreciate it!

Devon B, BC

I was shocked by today's strip, in which John assures Elly he will give her money, all she needs to do is ask. What century have you brought us back to? As a stay-at-home mom, if I want or need anything, I go to the bank with my handy card and take money out of the checking account that belongs to both me and my husband. I do not have to ask for money and am not handed money as if I'm a monitored dependent. I expected no less from Elly. There are far better reasons to save money in a jar: it's a handy place for change and it's fun to take the savings to one of those machines that turns it into cash for you. I could even see a sense of pride at having been frugal. But the need to feel she's earned it? Please.

Dianna N, Brevard County, FL

I've loved your comic strip since my daughter was a toddler. She's a college freshman now! I am finally adjusting to "going back in time", but was bothered by today's (4/28)strip. I have never posted a message before, but in this case, I HAD to. When John found out Elly was saving loose change to spend on herself, he said, "honey, I'll give you money for whatever you need. All you have to do is ask". It made Elly seem dependent on John for the littlest thing. It was very demeaning, not to mention a big step backwards for women.Thanks for listening. I still love your comic strip, though!

Liz, San Francisco, CA

It looks like John and Elly could benefit from a joint checking account! They're very useful for keeping both spouses involved in the household finances, and everyone can see where their money is going when they get the returned checks.

Kelly L, New York, NY

I too have a daughter, Kylie, that was born in 1991..and acted just like April. I would actually read the strips to her every time they were about April or Farley. One in particular was when April ate a soap bubble..i had that strip on the refrigerator and would read it to her every day, and she would laugh every time. I've since lost it..so i'm hoping it comes back up through this site. I would love to give it to her to read someday to her little one. Your strip is wonderful, and i can always relate to it on some level, with each of my three children and the hubby and the pets!!!

Judy, Spring Hill, FL

I just read the children's book a little while ago; I was a bit apprehensive because it reminded me too much of Farley's bout with garbage gastritis but was charmed in spite of myself. That's because it was like getting the back story to one of the Sunday strips from the mid 1980s. Why, it even had the sort of mildly ironic punchlines that that era of the strip was famous for.

Paul J, Saint John, NB