Newly discovered sister rocks her world
Issues arise when kids start to negotiate about these rewards: "Well, you seem to love this A more than I do, and so maybe you should pay me $30 for it." And how much money might high SAT scores, or A's in college, cost these parents?
I recently read the obituary for a poet whose father offered her $100 (as a young child) to read "War and Peace." The child declined. But in offering the reward, her father was demonstrating how much he valued this literary experience. And the child did in fact, eventually adopt these values -- growing up to become a celebrated poet.
Your granddaughter can also decline her prize, or simply choose to follow whatever path she wants, regardless of the money attached.
As is the case with many aspects of the parenting experience, unless you see this as endangering your granddaughter, you should keep your opinion to yourself.
Dear Amy: In a recent column, you wrote about two couples, not married I presume, that referred to their significant other as a "partner."
Relationships and having kids isn't a business. This term is just a new way to be hip and it lacks responsibility.
I was surprised at your lack of comment.
-- Mike
Dear Mike: Surely, this is the first time I've been accused of being "hip."
I'm not sure what you would suggest as a way to refer to unmarried parents. Many couples refer to themselves this way ("Worried New Mother" did), and in the absence of alternatives, I'm fine with it, too.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
