Winter Blues

Dear Dr. Sadie,

Winter is fast approaching, and it always makes me a little sad. Do you have any good winter recipes to chase the blues away?

- Brownie Groundhog

I like to eat cookies in the wintertime. I like gingerbread cookies the best. First you make the dough, then you add the other stuff. Then you add raisins for the nose and strawberries on its feet. Then you add fingers and fingernails with blueberries. Then you put buttons on with raisins. Then you use two chocolate chips for a tie. Then you bake it and then you eat it. Make sure you bake it at the perfect temperature.

Scout's Honor

Dear Dr. Sadie,

I am 8 years old, and all of my friends are joining the girl scouts. I want to join, too, but my Dad says, "no daughter of mine is going to join a proto-fascist, paramilitary organization that perpetuates homophobia and promotes mindless consumerism." I just don't want to be left out of a fun activity with great outfits. How can I convince him?

- Confused Wannabe Scout

You can wait to grow up a little bit. You can join them when you're 10 years old. You can tell your Daddy that you are willing to wait, but you want to do it when you are 10 years old. Then you can wear the fun outfit and go on fun hay rides.

Paging Dr. Feelgood

Dear Dr. Sadie,

I am very afraid of doctors. I always have been. I have developed a pain in my side, and it won't go away. I am afraid to go to the doctor, but I don't want to get sicker. What should I do?

- Mediphobic

You should call me. I'm a doctor, and I'm not scary. I'm nice. If you came to me, I would actually bring you to my Mama.

You can come over when I'm older, but first you have to go to a different doctor. The doctor would say, "don't worry," so you wouldn't feel scared. When I'm scared, I like to snuggle with Mama. Maybe you can snuggle with your Teddy.