Ask Amy: Sociable children tax mom’s hosting talents
Dear Concerned: Hair is an extremely important identifier, even for young children. Some grandmothers seem unable to respect this. They can’t resist the call of the scissors or curb their desire to control how their grandchildren present to the world, and grandchildren are powerless to resist.
The best time to raise this would have been last summer.
You should definitely do so, now. Tell your MIL that you value and respect her, but that she should never cut your children’s hair. Say, “I can imagine that their hair might drive you crazy, but can you agree to let this go? The kids would appreciate it, and we would, too.”
Dear Amy: I thought your advice to “Stressed Out Daughter” was disrespectful when you compared her mother’s behavior to a toddler’s. I hope she doesn’t adopt your attitude toward her parent.
– Upset
Dear Upset: “Stressed Out Daughter” was in the later stages of an at-risk pregnancy, with a toddler at home. Her mother was being unsupportive and demanding. I suspected that she would relate to the toddler analogy.
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
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