My son knows perfectly well how to use a fork, but lately he has started eating with his hands again. How can I nip this in the bud?  

Q Huge dilemma! Yesterday morning I was having a conversation with my sister, and my 11-year-old stepdaughter overheard the conversation, about which she then proceeded to tell her mother. One of the things I said was that her mother was selfish and projecting her feelings about their dad onto them - and that's not fair, etc. I don't know what to do. My husband's ex called him immediately ... help?  

Every morning my husband says, "Maybe today will be the day." I've admired his anticipation only to commiserate with him each time when it wasn't the day. Through everything, we've maintained hope and belief that our son's life will go in a more positive direction, if not today, someday.  

Dear Mary: I am trying to find recipe substitutes for the popular creamed soups, like cream of celery, cream of mushroom, etc.