DEAR ABBY: Our daughter turns 5 soon, and my wife still breastfeeds her to bed every night and wakes her a few times a night for more breastfeeding. This has had negative consequences on our marriage.
All my daughter's peers have been weaned and have been sleeping alone through the night for the last three years. Our daughter's mouth is filled with cavities, and my wife's breasts are no-touch zones sexually. My wife refuses even to consider stopping. Is it time for me to leave? -- PERPLEXED DAD IN WISCONSIN
DEAR DAD: No, it's time for your daughter's pediatrician and her dentist to be informed about this because it may not be healthy for your child. Your wife appears to be fostering dependency instead of helping the girl to achieve independence. Your wife may think she has been doing the right thing, but if her own emotional needs are so great that she can't alter her parenting style, you may want to consult a licensed family therapist for guidance.