DEAR ABBY: My granddaughter, "Becca," just turned 6. One of her favorite things to do is role-play, which includes the prince (me) kissing her, sometimes at the end of a wedding ceremony. Becca also likes to sit on my lap.
My wife thinks I shouldn't allow her to sit there and that the interaction isn't appropriate. She says I may be mistaken for some kind of predator. It hurts me and Becca when I tell her we must find some other playtime scenario. I think it's harmless.
Who's right here? My wife or me? Is there an age a granddaughter reaches when this kind of interaction becomes taboo? What about giving her a goodbye kiss when she departs? -- BAFFLED GRANDPA IN EL PASO
DEAR BAFFLED: Do Becca's parents agree with your wife? I would be more concerned with whether they consider your playing Prince Charming to be inappropriate. At 6, I see no harm in it. When Becca is 8 or 9, your wife may have a point. Of course, by then she may prefer to be Supergirl rather than a princess, and have other objectives than being a bride.
As to kissing your granddaughter hello or goodbye, that's perfectly appropriate regardless of her age. And when you do, I seriously doubt anyone will mistake you for a predator.