Dear Heloise: Reading the “Meatloaf Like Mama’s” letter really made me want to write you. To remind people of the letter, the reader has four boys/men, and she makes a great meatloaf. So, why didn’t she teach them how to make it?

When I read that “the oldest son is getting married and asked his future bride to get the recipe,” I truly wondered why he did not get the recipe and learn how to cook it himself. Are we still in the 20th century? In fact, as a mother, teaching your sons how to cook will make them more appreciate a woman who can cook for them as well.

I don’t mind some traditions, but isn’t it time for men and their mothers to learn that their daughter-in-laws are not servants? Let’s not assume that the woman is suppose to do the household chores just because she is female. In fact, if more mothers taught their boys to do laundry, cook and clean, I think we would see more progress in equality. — Jeanne H., via email

Jeanne, I agree with you. There is no reason why cooking dinner shouldn’t be a shared experience. A husband can make the salad while his wife prepares something else. Whoever finishes first sets the table. And there is no reason why a girl can’t be taught to change a tire or safely use a hammer, drill or sander.

Some women want to stick to traditional roles, but some do not. I believe that we must all learn to take care of ourselves because you can’t always depend on someone else being there for you. — Heloise

FOR THE BIRDS AND SQUIRRELS

Dear Heloise: Glen Allen, in Virginia, said he fed birds and squirrels bread. This is not recommended at all as it contains sugar, sodium and carbohydrates. There’s no nutritional value in them. It is not digested well by them, and additionally, the bread can get moldy. Stick to seeds and suet. — Eileen F., Glenwood, Iowa

BINGING ON MUNCHIES

Dear Heloise: I always had a hard time with my weight and just could not seem to stop binging on ice cream, nuts, pizza, chips, and other foods that I didn’t need to eat. I decided to sit down and make a list of “why I was overeating” and form a back-up plan. I began to realize what the triggers were: a job I didn’t really like, anger over many of my husband’s demands, and frustration with my children.

It was time for a change! I quit my job and started my own business. (I love it!) I sat my husband down and had a very frank discussion with him concerning what I would do and wouldn’t do (including doing all the cooking and cleaning). I refused to give my children money anymore and told them that as adults, it was time for them to grow up and support themselves.

Believe me, I’m sticking to my plan. The results have been good. I no longer weigh 187 pounds. — Barbara B., St. Paul, Minnesota

Barbara, many women often deal with their frustration, sorrow and anger by binge-eating. Glad to know that you’re doing better with the help of these hints! — Heloise

STRETCHING OUT CLOTHES

Dear Heloise: Frugal plumber here! Everyone likes to make fun of plumbers when they bend over, but I do not have this problem. I stretch cotton materials before I put them in the dryer or hang them to dry. Doing this makes some quite a bit longer; it adds over 4 inches to my shirts, even after the dryer.

I also do this with my young kid’s clothes. Pants and shirts will last for months and are longer for length. I read your column in the Charles City Press. — A.P., via email

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.