Let birds build their nests at your house

Dear Heloise: I appreciate the recent letter about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. I was surprised by how many people wrote in with methods of how to discourage birds from building nests at their house.

We had a barn swallow who built a nest up under the eaves of my front porch. She had three batches of babies for four years in a row. I was happy to give her a safe, dry place to lay and hatch her eggs. Sure, when the babies got bigger, I had to wash a little poop off the front porch. But this was not a problem for me in the least. — Sandy D., via email

Sandy, I once had a dove who built her nest on top of one of my outdoor lights. It was so delightful to watch her babies as they grew up and finally left the nest. The bird returned every year for about three years to raise her little brood. It was always a joy to see her sitting in her nest. — Heloise

Promote learning everywhere

Dear Heloise: I would like to respond to the letters about the state of education today. My husband and I raised four children. All attended college on academic scholarships, and all four are attending/have attended graduate school. My advice goes directly to the parents:

Turn off the television, put down the phone, and pay attention to what your kids are studying. Look over their homework, and find out about any upcoming projects. If they are small, read to them before bed.

In the summer, enroll them in math, science and art camps as well as the local library's summer reading contest. Buy summer workbooks for them to fill out. When you travel, make time to go to local museums. At the gift shop, give them a budget to spend, and let them figure it out. Take them to the supermarket with you. Talk to them. Explain why you are buying certain things. Get their input on dinner choices and how to budget.

I always believe that busy kids are less likely to get into mischief. My kids always played sports. Encourage them to join academic clubs at school, too.

All this means is that you will be as busy as they are, but isn't that the obligation you took on when you had them? — E.A.H., in California

Garbage-disposal hint

Dear Heloise: I have read you and your mother's column for years and appreciate all the wonderful hints I have learned! Here's one of mine:

My garbage disposal was smelling badly, even after I poured baking soda and vinegar inside it. I finally thought about removing the rubber splash guard, and oh my gosh! The bottom of it was caked with bits of decayed food. I scrubbed it good and will check it regularly from now on! — M., in Colorado

False charges

Dear Heloise: Please advise your readers to carefully check their monthly credit-card statements for unordered subscriptions. I ordered one supplement online but was billed for a monthly subscription. When I called the company, I was told there were terms on their website that said unless I "canceled," I'd be getting monthly shipments. But there were no such terms on the website. — J.S., in Houston

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to .