DEAR ABBY: My husband, "Nick," can't understand why our 10-year-old son, "Tony," is "hard of hearing" when he talks to him. Maybe it's because Nick talks so loud that our son tunes him out.
I suggested that Nick ask Tony why he doesn't listen to him, but Nick gets mad at me and insists that he MUST talk loud to get through to Tony.
Abby, our son is not hard of hearing, and I think Tony doesn't follow instructions because of the way his father talks to him. I also think the one who really isn't "listening" is my husband.
Any advice? -- TONY'S MOM
DEAR TONY'S MOM: There's a power struggle going on, and your husband thinks he can win it by shouting. Family counseling could help him gain some insight and communicate more effectively with Tony. If your husband refuses, I recommend earplugs for you until Tony leaves for college.