DEAR ABBY: We love our son-in-law, "Chip," but not his family. Family get-togethers are very strained because they drink -- a lot.
Chip's brother has given beer to his 3-year-old and no one says anything. I find it appalling and a form of child abuse. Chip's brother is a know-it-all, sarcastic and rude. I am worried about my grandson spending any time with them. My daughter has also made her concerns known to Chip, but nothing changes. Should I stay out of this? -- TEETOTALING GRANDMA
DEAR GRANDMA: Much as you might wish to, neither you nor your daughter is going to change the behavior of a belligerent drunk, which Chip's brother appears to be. Because alcohol impairs his judgment to the extent that he's giving liquor to his 3-year-old and the child's mother allows it, someone should contact child protective services and ask what can be done. I recommend that you do it soon, because giving alcohol to a minor is not only against the law, but could make the child sick or create a dependency.
As to your grandson, the boy should never be around his aunt and uncle unless there is strict supervision.