My husband and I have a blended family with three sons and a daughter, ranging in age from 2 to 13. Between my husband’s two married siblings and their four children, plus our four kids, this is a total of eight grandchildren. The problem we need help with has to do with my husband’s mother […]
Author: Dr. Karen Rancourt
Karen L. Rancourt, Ph.D., has over 50 years of varied experience. She began her career an elementary school teacher, went on to become a college professor, management consultant to Fortune 100 companies, career coach, and author of six books and a dozens of articles. Dr. Rancourt has helped thousands of parents, professionals and grandparents make important relationship decisions.
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Grandmother Feels Excluded from Her Daughter’s Social Activities
Relationships with adult children can be tricky, and even more difficult when grandchildren are involved. Check out Dr. Gramma Karen’s thoughts on navigating these tough interactions while building a good relationship with your grandkids.
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Political Rants Are Upsetting Family Interactions
Politics are always a hot topic, and now more than ever you and your families might be getting into some tough debates. Here is Dr. Gramma Karen’s advice for families having those disagreements.
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Update! Grandson’s Refusal to Attend Religious College
Last year, one reader wrote to Dr. Gramma Karen about a college decision. Now we have a new update on the situation and Dr. Gramma Karen’s follow-up advice!
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: My Niece’s Unpleasant Behavior
I’m having a really hard time with something. My sister Elaine and her man split up when their daughter, Carmella, was four; she is now 12. His mom (Carmella’s grandmother) has stepped in a lot to help with Carmella; I just wish she wouldn’t let Carmella buy whatever she wants. Meanwhile, Elaine — who had some stints traveling, got married and then divorced from a different man, a guy no one liked — has kind of backed off in interacting with Carmella.
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Young Granddaughter Dresses Sexy
I am bothered by the way my 12-year-old granddaughter, Barbara, and her friends dress. They wear skimpy, low-cut tight tops, often exposing their cleavage and tummy area, with equally skimpy, tight shorts. I asked my daughter-in-law what she thought of Barbara’s style of dress, and she said, “What are you going to do? This is […]
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Readers’ Comments: Some Thoughts about Race for White Readers
Jezra Kaye’s previous column provides great insight for white readers on the issue of race. Here is a look at some of the constructive discussions generated from it!
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Grandmother Is Miserable Caring for Grandsons during Covid-19
There are so many stressors in life right now, and sometimes family can be one of them. Here are some things to think about when dealing with a difficult familial situation.