DEAR ABBY: Should I tell my ex-husband that our sons (8 and 11) told me they hate his new wife and "can't wait for them to get divorced"?
Although the boys didn't tell me NOT to say anything, I don't want to break a confidence, or worse yet -- make things more awkward than they already are at their dad's house. The boys are with them every other weekend.
Their stepmother is very moody and seems to enjoy belittling children -- including her own teen-agers, who are now exhibiting behavior problems.
Abby, I love my sons and feel it would be in their best interest if their dad knew how they felt about their stepmom. Your advice would be appreciated. -- CONCERNED MOM IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
DEAR MOM: Instead of being the town crier, urge your sons to speak for themselves and tell their father why they feel as they do. If it's possible for your ex-husband to encourage his wife to build a better relationship with the boys, it would be a far more effective motivator than anything you could say.