Backyard 'Battle of the Sexes' carries some risk
If this competition is more or less good-natured, then don't discourage it. The prospect of this has gotten "Steven" off the couch, which is probably a good thing.
"Don" should not shame his son and then egg him on with a sexist agenda. This father should be encouraging his son to build up his strength for personal health and self-esteem reasons.
This whole episode presents physical, emotional, and relational challenges between these step-siblings, but it could also be a fun and memorable bonding experience - sort of a backyard Billie Jean King/Bobby Riggs match.
The adults involved should let the kids train together and compete, if they want to, without too much interference, and the adults should witness the match. There is some risk of physical and ego injury, and both teens should be warned.
Whichever teen wins the match MUST be gracious. The losing teen might want a rematch at a later date. Unless there is a compelling and compassionate reason to throw the match, both kids should do their best to win it.
Dear Amy: My son got married. The wedding was videotaped.
The bride's family paid for us each to have an edited copy of the tape. They had complete control over the edit, and of course some parts were edited out.
There was a two-minute clip of two of our friends that I wanted to save, and I went to the video company and asked to have one copy made (and I would pay for it).
I was told that they had to get the bride's family's permission for them to make me a copy, and the bride's family informed me/them that they would not allow it.
What's your take on this?
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