Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: A recent poll suggests that almost 90 percent of kids ages 12 to 17 have a cellphone. When is the right time to give your child a cellphone? Here are some things to consider:

• Maturity of the child is more important than age. Internet access can be a great learning tool, but two hours a day on the phone's apps is more than enough. Know what apps are on the phone, and make sure the child will use the phone appropriately. No phone usage in class, unless there's an emergency (re: no texting friends).

• The child must understand about giving location information (commonly called "tagging" or "checking in"). This can be a safety issue -- strangers can know where your child is.

• Absolutely no use of the phone while driving -- none.

• For younger children, consider a pared-down model of phone -- internet access may not be necessary, but being able to call you is reassuring.

• Talk to your provider about safety measures you can use for your child's phone. The camera and in-app purchases features may not be necessary, for example.

These hints can help you make the decision about what cellphone usage is right for your kids.

DEAR HELOISE: Even when I'm having a pajama day, I like to be somewhat put together, in case I have to run an errand, for example.

At the very least, I wash my face and put on a little concealer, a balancing or correcting cream and a little eye shadow, just for some color. I feel prettier, it makes "facing" the day easier, and it takes only about 10 minutes.

-- Heather P. in Illinois

DEAR HELOISE: Did I read that apple-cider vinegar works as a hair treatment?

-- Alison I., Hershey, Pa.

DEAR READER: Yes. Apple-cider vinegar is a hair helper. Mixed 1:1 with water, it removes tangles and soapy residue. It also can close the cuticle of the hair, which will make the hair shine.

Vinegar is one of my favorite household helpers. It's cheap, safe and effective for cleaning, beautifying and cooking with.

DEAR HELOISE: I love the recent hint about giving children new words to track down. But don't forget to teach them how to pronounce the words, too.

-- A Reader, via email

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email

[email protected]

Weekend on 10/19/2017

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