DEAR ABBY: My husband is scaring me to death. He frequently puts our two children in dangerous situations, and sometimes they get hurt. Last summer he let them "play" with an ax, and my daughter ended up with a gash in her leg that required a trip to the emergency room for stitches. My son has fallen off a roof and received a concussion because my husband allowed him to play there.
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Last week, I caught my husband pulling our trampoline over to a one-story shed so our children could jump off it onto the trampoline. Abby, trampolines are dangerous enough without the added "boost."
When I voiced my opinion, he said I should not question his parenting. He always says that, and continues to place them in danger. I have no family close by to help me stand up to him, and he refuses to go for counseling. He says a walk in the park does him more good. What should I do? -- TOO MANY E.R. VISITS, ASHLAND, ORE.
DEAR TOO MANY: A parent is supposed to have common sense and mature judgment; however, your husband must have been absent when those traits were handed out. Since you have no family nearby to help you stand up to him, and he refuses counseling, I urge you to go without him. Your therapist will be your ally and help you to find the strength to do what you must.
There are laws against child endangerment. Before your husband again places the children in jeopardy, pick up the phone and call Child Protective Services. You'll find them in the phone book.