This week, readers were buzzing about toothbrushes, Tyra Banks, breakfast cereal and fake ID cards. Here are some notable responses.

My posting about a new musical toothbrush from Hasbro generated a surprising amount of debate. Several readers criticized my decision to let my daughter use the brush.

“Funny, I managed to get my two kids (now 22 and 32) to brush their teeth every day, twice a day…a habit that they still have…without a gimmick. Why can’t we just instill good habits in our children?”

A mother of three wrote that she was conflicted about the new brush.

“I realize these toothbrushes would be an easy fix for kids who don’t always want to bother brushing and don’t brush long enough. But I have a problem with the fact that we feel compelled to make every single task in a child’s life full of ‘fun.’ Now we can’t even expect kids to take care of basic personal hygiene for a minute or two unless it’s entertaining?! I’m uncomfortable with the precedent that sets.”

But other readers sided with me and urged their fellow posters to lighten up.

“What’s the big deal? Most kids like music, and it makes the time go faster when you’re doing a mundane task. Don’t people listen to music when doing dishes? Or driving? Or running? Why should it be all right for adults but not for kids? And I don’t think it’s a gimmick or something I’m convinced my child needs — it’s just fun….What is the harm in that? If they make a Star Wars one, I’ll be getting one for myself!”

Readers were divided on my report that many organic breakfast cereals aren’t fortified with the extra vitamins that are found in commercial cereal brands. Many readers felt that it shouldn’t matter whether the morning cereal is fortified if you’re raising your kids right.

“How ’bout if we just have our kids eat fresh fruits and vegetables? Is that such a stretch? I have my kid eating earthy crunchy cereals and have never counted the cereal as a multivitamin, because we feed him healthy food that provides the vitamins and minerals he needs. Come on, campers, it’s not that hard.”

Another parent felt that the post was one-sided in favor of commercial cereals.

“C’mon, an article that is pro frosted flakes? Why? Because they so generously subsidize our children’s vitamin intake? Does that make up for all of the high fructose corn syrup in these candy bars posing as breakfast cereal?”

An item about Tyra Banks ordering the contestants on America’s Next Top Model to stop smoking generated lots of debate about the show itself, and whether it promotes unhealthy eating and an idealized image of beauty.

“If there is something that you should really be wary about regarding the health of young girls who watch the show, it is not tobacco consumption but the epidemic of eating disorders among young woman…trying to emulate the glamorized super skinny models.”

Other readers noted that smoking is such a scourge, anything that convinces a kid not to smoke is a good thing.

”It’s true that eating disorders can be a serious problem among models and teenagers. However, cigarettes, not eating disorders, kill 1,200 Americans per day, and guess what…90 percent of those smokers started as teenagers…If it takes Tyra showing the ‘ugly’ side of smoking … to get the message across, then so be it! Whatever works!!”

And finally, an item noting that having a fake ID increases a college student’s risk for binge drinking generated many comments about whether the legal drinking age of 21 is reasonable.

“We trust 18 year olds with machine guns and grenade launchers … but not a six-pack of Miller Lite.”