Call 911 when you suspect abuse in a home

DEAR AMY: Last night I was outside, and my next-door neighbors' two kids, who I would guess are 2 and 3, were outside on their deck. They started telling me that "Daddy was mad at Mommy" for some reason I didn't catch. They did not seem upset and were very matter-of-fact about this. While this was going on, I heard their father inside the closed house, screaming at the top of his lungs. I didn't know what to do. What should I have done - or what should I do if this happens again?Worried NeighborDEAR WORRIED: You should have dialed 911 and told the dispatcher exactly what was happening, including the fact that two very young children were standing outside the house.

DEAR AMY: I have been friends with a group of four women for nearly 30 years. Three have children; two do not. One of us lives out of state and, until recently, I thought the entire group rarely saw her because she comes "home" only once or twice a year. I have come to learn that the other childless friend and I have been excluded from several get-togethers held by the three women in the group who have children. I'm wondering if perhaps the three who have children believe the two of us who don't would not be interested in getting together. It hurts very much. I want to say something but I'm not sure how to go about it.Sad Friend

DEAR SAD: I can imagine that these women who have children feel their child-centered events wouldn't suit you. Obviously, they're wrong.

Your friendship can survive this. The next time you are together, you can raise the issue by saying a version of, "We all go so far back. Even though I don't have children, I'd enjoy watching yours grow." If you do this with tact and affection, you will have made your wishes known.