I’ve known my husband for 16 years; we’ve been happily married the past eight. We have one daughter, five-year-old Emma. Since the very beginning my husband’s sister, Patricia, has not liked me. She now has a son, Barry, who is a year younger than Emma. I should mention that Patricia also has issues with my husband, her brother, and her father.
Category: Grandparents
Welcome grandparents and parents! We know how important grandparent relationships are, so here you’ll find articles, videos and events on activities grandparents can do with their grandchildren, ways to positively foster these relationships, better communication and appreciation between parents and grandparents (and vice versa!) and more!
My Daughter-in-Law Excludes My Husband and Me
I kept hoping she would warm up toward us, but that has not happened. I find I am getting more and more upset about how cold she is towards us. I think I should talk to my son about what’s going on and tell him how hurt we feel about the way Lannie treats us.
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Readers Share More of Their Ponies
In the current pandemic days, negativity and stress can feel incredibly overwhelming. Read some happy goings on in the world with Dr. Gramma Karen’s readers’ “ponies”!
Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: Grandmother Shows Favoritism
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 […]
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.