DEAR ABBY: My mother has baby-sat my 1-year-old daughter, “Lily,” since she was less than 2 months old because circumstances compelled me to return to work earlier than planned. She agreed to keep her for free to help my husband, “Riley,” and me because she knows things are tough financially right now. We pay Mother as much as we can, and of course, provide all of Lily’s food, diapers, etc. to keep at her house. I have thanked my mother many times, and hope she realizes how grateful we are for everything she does.
However, the longer Mother baby-sits Lily, the more she acts like she can overrule the decisions Riley and I make regarding our daughter. She complains about how “stupid” our pediatrician is (even though she has never met Lily’s doctor personally). She tries to dictate what decisions we make based on her “mother-knows-best” philosophy, then becomes offended if we do something different.
Recently she informed me that she was sending back the “chunkier” baby food I had bought for Lily to eat at her house because she doesn’t think Lily is ready for that kind of food. When I pointed out that Lily has been eating the same food at our house for the last two months, she hung up on me.
I have always tried to avoid confrontation with my mother, but when it comes to my daughter, I believe Mother should respect the decisions that Riley and I make. I’m afraid if I say anything, though, she’ll refuse to keep Lily any longer. What should I do? — IN A BIND IN TEXAS
DEAR IN A BIND: Your choice is whether to bite your tongue or bite the bullet. Avoiding confrontations may have worked when you were a child, but now that you are a parent your little girl’s welfare must come first.
It appears your mother is trying to relive her own mothering experience by imposing her will on you. The situation is not healthy for you, your daughter, or even your mother. Either find the courage to talk to her woman-to-woman and clear the air, or you and Riley should make other child-care arrangements for your daughter.
DEAR ABBY: I entered high school this year and auditioned for a play. Well, I got the part. It’s a pretty big one and I’m happy about it. However, I will have to kiss a senior! It will be my first kiss — ever! I’m so nervous. I can’t get out of the kiss or the role.
Please give me some tips about kissing. I know you are busy, but I really need your help. — NEVER BEEN KISSED IN VERMONT
DEAR NEVER BEEN KISSED: This is something you need to discuss with the actor you’ll be kissing, as well as the drama teacher who will be directing the play. If you’re afraid you’ll make a mistake because you don’t know how to kiss, be comforted in the knowledge that most of the action will be assumed by the senior, who probably is experienced in that department. All you will need to do is lift your chin, close your eyes and pucker up. Also, there will be rehearsals before the performance — and practice makes perfect. (Oh, the sacrifices we make for art!)
However, the longer Mother baby-sits Lily, the more she acts like she can overrule the decisions Riley and I make regarding our daughter. She complains about how “stupid” our pediatrician is (even though she has never met Lily’s doctor personally). She tries to dictate what decisions we make based on her “mother-knows-best” philosophy, then becomes offended if we do something different.
Recently she informed me that she was sending back the “chunkier” baby food I had bought for Lily to eat at her house because she doesn’t think Lily is ready for that kind of food. When I pointed out that Lily has been eating the same food at our house for the last two months, she hung up on me.
I have always tried to avoid confrontation with my mother, but when it comes to my daughter, I believe Mother should respect the decisions that Riley and I make. I’m afraid if I say anything, though, she’ll refuse to keep Lily any longer. What should I do? — IN A BIND IN TEXAS
DEAR IN A BIND: Your choice is whether to bite your tongue or bite the bullet. Avoiding confrontations may have worked when you were a child, but now that you are a parent your little girl’s welfare must come first.
It appears your mother is trying to relive her own mothering experience by imposing her will on you. The situation is not healthy for you, your daughter, or even your mother. Either find the courage to talk to her woman-to-woman and clear the air, or you and Riley should make other child-care arrangements for your daughter.
DEAR ABBY: I entered high school this year and auditioned for a play. Well, I got the part. It’s a pretty big one and I’m happy about it. However, I will have to kiss a senior! It will be my first kiss — ever! I’m so nervous. I can’t get out of the kiss or the role.
Please give me some tips about kissing. I know you are busy, but I really need your help. — NEVER BEEN KISSED IN VERMONT
DEAR NEVER BEEN KISSED: This is something you need to discuss with the actor you’ll be kissing, as well as the drama teacher who will be directing the play. If you’re afraid you’ll make a mistake because you don’t know how to kiss, be comforted in the knowledge that most of the action will be assumed by the senior, who probably is experienced in that department. All you will need to do is lift your chin, close your eyes and pucker up. Also, there will be rehearsals before the performance — and practice makes perfect. (Oh, the sacrifices we make for art!)