life

Partner Is Tired of Being Sole Pet Caregiver

Ask Someone Else's Mom by by Susan Writer
by Susan Writer
Ask Someone Else's Mom | April 2nd, 2019

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: When I agreed with my partner that it was time to get a dog, I thought we would be taking care of it together. Nope. Six months into it and I’m the one who does the walking, training, cleaning up after, and vet visits.

I have definitely fall in love with our spaniel, but how did I end up being a “single parent”? --- COULD USE SOME HELP HERE

DEAR COULD USE SOME HELP HERE: So long as the decision was truly mutual, you need to remind your partner that your four-legged baby has two adopted parents. Not sharing the responsibilities will lead to further, deeper resentments, and that doesn’t do anybody any good.

Basic as it sounds, try making a job list or walking schedule so your partner doesn’t continue to assume it’s all on you.

life

Spoiling Aunt Causes Friction

Ask Someone Else's Mom by by Susan Writer
by Susan Writer
Ask Someone Else's Mom | March 28th, 2019

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My sister is my daughter’s favorite adult. Her own kids are grown, and even though she is nearly 15 years older than me, my 12-year-old daughter looks up to her like a cooler second mom.

I really think my sister forgot the hell her own kids put her through at this age, because she gives what I think is terrible advice to my daughter, who then uses her aunt’s advice against me and to defend her bad actions.

I don’t want to cut my sister off from my daughter, but what else can I do to make her influence less in my daughter’s life? --- NOT REALLY UNCOOL MOM

DEAR NOT REALLY UNCOOL MOM: Cutting your daughter off from her aunt could lead to more tension between you and your daughter, and probably wouldn’t do much for your relationship with your sister.

You need to openly tell your sister that, while you’re glad she and your daughter are so close, you have your own ideas of how to raise your child and need her to step back and let you do your job the best way you know how.

life

When She Makes More

Ask Someone Else's Mom by by Susan Writer
by Susan Writer
Ask Someone Else's Mom | March 27th, 2019

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My wife has a better-paying job than I do, which I’m more than okay with. She enjoys her work and I love mine. What I don’t like is that she sometimes holds it over my head that she is the bigger money-maker, sometimes making comments in front of family and friends.

I’m afraid if I complain to her about her digs she’ll think I’m just jealous or something. Am I better off keeping my comments to myself? --- SECOND INCOME GUY

DEAR SECOND INCOME GUY: You need to let your wife know that her comments bug you, especially since they could indicate a deeper attitude about your career choice. If she honestly disapproves of it, that’s the kind of resentment that can fester over time and cause major damage to a marriage.

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