The graduation season is upon us. Question: How much is too much to spend for a grad gift? I know kids getting cruises to the Bahamas as a high school graduation gift, but I was thinking more along the lines of an iTunes gift card! Answer: A cruise to the Bahamas? I'd do high school all over again for that! Seriously, though, that's a bit out of most people's budget. An iTunes gift card is a great idea for a high school grad. The cost, I'd say, should depend on how close you are to the person. I'd be willing to fork out a bit more for flesh and blood, but for a friend's son, a $20 gift card …

Question: I read that some activists are putting a measure on a ballot that would ban circumcision at birth and fine those who choose to do it. Isn't this a personal decision? Can they be serious? Answer: They can be quite serious. It all began in San Francisco, the same place where Happy Meals are now being banned for contributing to our nation's obesity problem (as though a pack of teeny chicken nuggets and a toy are the real reason our kids are getting plumper). Now they're threatening to slap a fine of $1,000 on those who do something that has been practiced since the Biblical times. They…

Question: My daughter will be 4 this spring. She has never had a real, official birthday party and I am already  feeling the pressure from her preschool friends and their parents. The last few parties I've attended have been over the top. I mean, ice sculptures, rented ponies, expensive catered food and live entertainment. I cannot afford this and quite honestly, it's really stressing me out. Help! Answer: In the "good ol days" our moms baked a Betty Crocker cake, stirred up a pitcher of Kool Aid and threw us out in the back yard to play. Now we attend parties that rival the upcoming Royal …

This week's quetion is relevant to the season. Question: I'm afraid I've opened a can of worms with my 3-year old son. We visited the Easter bunny at the mall last week and then saw another bunny on our way home. I could sense the gears turning in his little inquisitive mind as he asked, "Mommy, is the Easter bunny really real?" I dodged the question, but it's only a matter of time before the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus become part of the inquisition, too. I hate to burst his bubble. What should I do? Answer: Ah, the long debated motherhood dilemma. To spoil the fun or spill the beans? I …

Trying to find an answer when it comes to the most important job—raising kids. QUESTION: My 9-year old son has recently been dubbed "chubby" by some of his peers. His doctor isn't concerned, but I was taken aback when a few of my friends suggested I put him on a diet. Isn't that sending a bad message to our kids to have them dieting at such a young age? Or are they right? ANSWER: You are his mother and know him best. If your son is eating healthily and staying active, I wouldn't worry so much. We all remember the "chubby" kid in fifth grade who turned out to be the high school hunk. I don't …

Q: My kids are begging for a pet, but I'm not sure our family is ready for one yet. I spend enough time cleaning up messes all day; the idea of potty accidents and pet dander doesn't thrill me. Plus, there's the expense—vaccinations, food, etc. I think it could be a good lesson in responsibility for my kids, but my fear is that I'll end up doing all the work in the end! A: This is a great question. The big Pet Dilemma seems to come up in every family at some point in time. You didn't say how old your kids were, and this could make a difference in your decision. Younger kids might do better …

Q: My husband and I divorced two years ago and I've recently started dating again. I've met a nice guy and want to introduce him to my 12-year-old daughter, but how soon is too soon? I don't feel we can move forward until he knows what the "total package" looks like. My daughter has not been super supportive of me dating, so I don't want to push it with her. A: I think you're wise to be mulling this over. Dating after divorce is a huge step and not to be taken lightly, especially when kids are involved. I'm guessing your daughter is still dealing with the changes you've endured since the …

Each week, Moms Talk looks at a question about parenting and invites discussion. Agree or disagree, throw in your two cents! Q: My son is only 5, but I'm already feeling "behind." My friends have their kids in at least two activities each and say it makes them well rounded. I say it makes them tired! My kid is happy playing Legos after school. Am I missing the boat? -Lazy and Lovin' It, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mom of 2 A: If I remember correctly, there were no superstar soccer leagues and mini-Philharmonic symphonies growing up. We took turns playing in friends' back yards, sucked on homemade…

Q: My teenage daughter has recently been exerting her independence, hanging out with boys, etc. I completely trusted her until recently, when I snuck her phone after she went to bed and read some of her texts; I was shocked at what I read! Friends "hooking up" with boys behind the local movie theater? Aren't they too young? I can't let her know I snooped, so I don't know what to do. Am I the only mom who snoops, and what do I do now? —Sneaky and Shocked, Rancho Santa Margarita, mom of 2 Q: I have a teenage daughter, too and just recently "hacked" her Facebook account. I was not happy with …

Moms Talk is a new feature on your Patch site that is part of a new initiative on our Patch sites to reach out to moms and families. Rancho Santa Margarita Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in RSM. Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions. Moms, dads, grandparents and the diverse families that make up our community will have a new resource for questions about local neighborhood schools, the best pediatricians, 24-hour …