Dear Amy: My in-laws are nice people, but they are very religious and tend to filter everything through their religious beliefs.
My wife and I had our first child (their first grandchild). My wife and I agree on our parenting choices and believe we’re doing well. Her parents, however, like to offer us Christian-based parenting concepts, which they glean from YouTube channels.
I really do love them, but I’d like to discourage this. We do not intend to raise our child in their evangelical church.
What do you suggest?
– Wondering Parents
Dear Wondering: Jesus might have walked on water, but he never had to try to guide a toddler through the grocery store.
Depending on the frequency of these recommendations, as well as how they’re delivered, it might be wisest to simply ignore them. Don’t click, don’t watch, don’t read.
If an in-law asks you and your wife about these resources, you can both state, honestly, that you don’t follow them.
Your wife is probably the best person to convey to her parents that you will not be raising your child in their church. It is your right – and your duty – to raise your child according to your own values.
Dear Amy: “Wondering” reported that relatives made off with some of grandma’s stuff, before the estate was settled.
Years ago, my mom handed her kids and grandkids a package of sticky notes.
We put sticky notes on items we would like after she was gone. She settled any disputes.
There are sticky notes all over the place but hopefully there will be no arguing afterward.
– No Sticky Fingers
Dear No Fingers: Mom’s a smart one.
(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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