by Melissa
(Vernal, UT. U.S.A.)
My husband and I have 3 children; 4,2, and a six month old. I try and keep my kids as healthy as possible and I don't feed them added sugars, candy, etc. They are happy and well adjusted children. Soda pop is a definite "no no" in our home. My in-laws know we don't want them drinking pop and eating candy. I make them good tasting treats but they don't have a lot of sugar in them. They love them. My father-in-law gives them soda behind my back. My 4 year old told me that Papa gives him pop and I confronted him kindly about it. Papa said to my boy, half as a joke, "You told our little secret buddy." I feel like I'm not respected as a parent. Every time my father-in-law does this I think it makes my kids think they don't need to mind and respect my wishes. What am
I to do?
Ben's Answer:
Yes, this is sabotaging your authority as a parent. But this is such a common scenario with grandparents. There are worse things they could do, but I sympathize, as a parent with similar values regarding healthy eating.
I'd recommend having a real heart to heart talk, with all adults present. And I suggest you do this with your husband's full support so you don't seem like the over-reactive daughter-in-law. It's important to be assertive without being attacking. Try to understand his perspective. It's probably not to
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