ArcaMax

If you lack expertise and experience, you might gain traction by asking questions: Has she been offered professional help? Has he? Has she been following professional recommendations?

Listen to her answers with compassion, and if she asks you what she should do, say, “Every child is different. I can’t really say what YOU should do, but I can tell you what I would try to do.” If she responds defensively, you’ll know that she isn’t ready or able to listen.

There is no one answer in how to parent a troubled child. It is a very long and lonely road. Be extremely judicious in doling out advice, while offering support in abundance.

Dear Amy: My mother passed away earlier this year.

Shortly afterward, my father started seeing someone. She has basically moved in with him.

Before I knew about his new romantic partner, my wife and I were planning to have Christmas dinner at his home since they are part of our small quarantine bubble of four.

We were also planning on doing a Zoom dinner with my mom's side of the family.

They have no clue about this relationship, and I imagine there's going to be a lot of awkwardness if we do this. What do you think I should do to reduce this awkwardness?

My wife thinks I should ask my father to try to be more transparent. He hasn't given me many details about his new partner, and she is not very talkative, so I don't know much about her. I don't even know her last name.

I know it would be easier NOT to participate in a Zoom, but maintaining my relationship with Mom’s family is extra important to me now that she is no longer with us.

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