School job shows naked truth about her family

DEAR ABBY: I'm 19 and in college on a scholarship. I have found a part-time job that will give me a little extra income - figure modeling for some of the art classes. This would include both clothed and nude modeling. It isn't the only job I plan on taking, but it will help me out for the time being. When I told my parents, it was not well-received.

My mother strongly disagreed with my choice and handed the phone to my sister, who told me if I want to take my clothes off I should be a stripper. Abby, this hurt me deeply. My dad is worried that it will ruin my reputation. I find it hypocritical because my mom was an art major and her portfolio contains nude figures that she drew.

My school is diligent about the safety and respect of its models, and I trust them. I'm not looking for my parents' approval, but I wish they would attempt to understand. What would you suggest? - Serious Student in Virginia

DEAR SERIOUS STUDENT: Having studied figure drawing myself years ago, I can attest to the fact that models of all ages were used - both nude and clothed. There was nothing lurid or sexual about it, and the models were not posed in a suggestive manner or being ogled. If you wish to display your body in the context of an art class, you shouldn't have to justify it to your parents or your sister. Your mother appears to have a short memory, and your sister's comment was out of line.

DEAR ABBY: My 12-year-old son still calls me Mommy. My daughter, who is two years older, calls me Mom. I don't want to hurt my son's feelings, but I think at his age he should transition to calling me Mom. What do you think?

- Just Mom in Florida

DEAR JUST MOM: I think you should keep your mouth shut. There is nothing shameful or wrong about a son calling his mother Mommy if that is what he has done all his life. Frankly, it's rather sweet, and it's far more loving than some of the names people have written to me when referring to their mothers.