On Teens Working, Responsibility, and Severe Cramps, and the Effectiveness of Pregnancy Tests

Stop here every day for a new question and answer, practical help for busy parents.

Question

Should I allow my 16-year-old son to open a store or restaurant alone in the morning?

Answer

Before making that decision, ask yourself a few questions.

* Does your son work in a nice neighborhood? Of course, there is no such thing as a completely safe location. But some places are nicer than others, and the more action and nastiness the neighborhood tends to see outside of business hours, the more caution you should show.

* When do the other workers report for duty? If your son is part of a work crew slated to show up at the same time but sometimes arrives a few minutes before the others, he's not really opening up alone. But if the restaurant wants him to truly do the job solo, you might want to question why management would entrust that responsibility to someone so young.

* Is the building secure? Consider how difficult it would be for an intruder to enter the business during the off hours. Does the business have an alarm system or sturdy security doors? Would your son be working in an office, or in front of a window visible to passers-by?

* Does your son have a level head? Being the only one at a closed business can spook some adults. If your son tends to think clearly, react responsibly, and remain cool under pressure, he may be able to handle this responsibility.

In general, I would advise parents of 16-year-olds not to let them open a business alone. But every situation is different. If the building is secure and located in a safe neighborhood, and if your son will soon be joined by other workers, and if he is mature for his age and capable of making wise decisions should trouble arise, then you may let him do the job.

Regardless of the situation, if you are not comfortable with your child working this shift, then don't let him work the shift. This is a high-school job, not a career, and the final decision on the work duties of a 16-year-old lie with the parents.

Question

I just got a positive result from a home pregnancy test. Should I get a blood test from my family doctor or go straight to the obstetrician? The past week and a half or so, I have had bad cramps, not a common occurrence early in pregnancy. I'm three weeks late for my period, thought that's nothing new. Because of the cramping I bought some home pregnancy tests. I took an EPT digital test this morning and it came back pregnant. I don't know if I should go to the family doctor for a blood test, or straight to an OB to make sure nothing is wrong.

Answer

In general, home pregnancy tests are quite accurate, particularly after multiple weeks have passed since the last period. Of course, some tests are better than others, and despite the claims of some to be 99% accurate, I have never seen publicly available research regarding their effectiveness. But regardless, you are probably pregnant.

While light cramping is common during the early stages of pregnancy, heavy cramping is not. You shouldn't panic, as the definitions of "light" versus "heavy" vary depending on who is talking. Still, you should see a doctor immediately.

Which kind of doctor you see really doesn't matter. Any competent family practitioner can order the appropriate blood tests and help you deal with the cramps. If you have a good relationship with your family doctor and can see him immediately, make an appointment. If you've got a bun in the oven, you'll be under an obstetrician's care soon enough.

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