DUPLICATE GIFT DILEMMA If there's a gift receipt attached from a thoughtful parent, you're golden. Otherwise, don't get into it with another parent unless you can do so without causing offense. You can try just returning gift for store credit, if you know where it was purchased. Or, stash it away with name of original gift-giver taped to it. This way you can recycle gift, making sure it goes to an entirely new (and hopefully appreciative) child.

THANK YOU NOTES Thank you notes are an excellent way to promote good manners and appreciation in your children. Not only are they important social skill builders, they foster good writing and creativity as well. Kids will learn to enjoy writing thank you cards if you make it a fun project by using colorful note cards and glittery gel pens or let them design their own on computer.

For younger children, it's OK for parent to write note and have party child sign it. The party child could even draw a picture which Mom or Dad can copy and send as a thank you. The "fill-in-the-blanks" type thank you note are a great alternative too. Another super idea is to include a picture of guest taken with party child along with thank you note.

Incidentally, it's critical to keep a careful list of who-gave-what so thank you notes can be sent without mix-ups.

CAN PARENTS STAY? If you're unsure if you can accompany your child to a party, just be up front with parents beforehand and ask what their party plans are. The RSVP call is a great time to ask questions. Most parents of younger children know some kids are more comfortable with their parents around and plan accordingly. (A pot of coffee and extra cake or munchies for adults.) Most parents will offer to help if they stay an extra bonus for host/hostess!

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of www.Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.

For all the latest party news, read her kids party blog at "http://www.kids-party-paradise-blog.blogspot.com" Copyright 2004 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved

According to Rental Housing On Line, one court noted that "in case of modern apartment dweller, value of lease is that it gives him a place to live. The city dweller who seeks to lease an apartment on third floor of a tenement has little interest in land 30 or 40 feet below, or even in bare right to possession within four walls of his apartment. When American city dwellers, both rich and poor, seek 'shelter' today, they seek a well known package of goods and services. A bundle which includes not merely walls and ceilings, but also adequate heat, light and ventilation, serviceable plumbing facilities, secure windows and doors, proper sanitation, and proper maintenance." All these things are accounted for in implied law of habitability - your inalienable right as a tenant.

If you feel your habitability right is being violated, you should contact your local tenants union. You may wish to deal with problems directly by speaking with Building Inspection Department of your city for structural concerns, and county health department or city code enforcement officer for health concerns.