A controlling grandma's grip on her grandson can be suffocating for others in his life, including the boy's own mother.
The young mother is at her wit's end as she tries to navigate her relationship with her daughter-in-law while also keeping a close eye on her toddler grandson. However, it appears that her daughter has taken matters into her own hands, dictating every aspect of the boy's life and interactions, leaving little room for anyone else.
The controlling grandma insists that everything is "no" when it comes to spending time with her grandson, from toys to TV time to outdoor adventures. She even goes so far as to dictate what snacks he can have, citing her own generosity in buying him toys. But while she may see this as a display of love and care, others might view it as an attempt to exert control over the boy's life.
Abby, the advice columnist, takes a firm stance on this issue, suggesting that the controlling grandma needs to accept her daughter-in-law's "house rules" if she wants to have a meaningful relationship with her grandson. It's a tough pill for many people to swallow, but perhaps it's necessary in order for the boy to develop healthy boundaries and relationships with those around him.
On a separate note, a reader in Nevada is seeking advice on whether it's acceptable to tip a bartender who will be paid a handsome salary by the company that employs them. Abby advises against it, suggesting that leaving a tip jar at the bar would be "tacky." Instead, the reader should stick to tipping the bartender privately.
Meanwhile, another reader in Washington is wondering if it's rude to ask for leftover food from a potluck without offering to take some back for the host. Abby suggests that it's not only acceptable but also considerate to ask permission before taking home someone else's contribution, especially if it's perishable. However, she does advise leaving a portion of her own food for the host if they'd like.
As always, Dear Abby's advice is practical and down-to-earth, tackling issues from relationships to social etiquette with her signature wit and charm.
The young mother is at her wit's end as she tries to navigate her relationship with her daughter-in-law while also keeping a close eye on her toddler grandson. However, it appears that her daughter has taken matters into her own hands, dictating every aspect of the boy's life and interactions, leaving little room for anyone else.
The controlling grandma insists that everything is "no" when it comes to spending time with her grandson, from toys to TV time to outdoor adventures. She even goes so far as to dictate what snacks he can have, citing her own generosity in buying him toys. But while she may see this as a display of love and care, others might view it as an attempt to exert control over the boy's life.
Abby, the advice columnist, takes a firm stance on this issue, suggesting that the controlling grandma needs to accept her daughter-in-law's "house rules" if she wants to have a meaningful relationship with her grandson. It's a tough pill for many people to swallow, but perhaps it's necessary in order for the boy to develop healthy boundaries and relationships with those around him.
On a separate note, a reader in Nevada is seeking advice on whether it's acceptable to tip a bartender who will be paid a handsome salary by the company that employs them. Abby advises against it, suggesting that leaving a tip jar at the bar would be "tacky." Instead, the reader should stick to tipping the bartender privately.
Meanwhile, another reader in Washington is wondering if it's rude to ask for leftover food from a potluck without offering to take some back for the host. Abby suggests that it's not only acceptable but also considerate to ask permission before taking home someone else's contribution, especially if it's perishable. However, she does advise leaving a portion of her own food for the host if they'd like.
As always, Dear Abby's advice is practical and down-to-earth, tackling issues from relationships to social etiquette with her signature wit and charm.
. Like, I get it, grandma loves her grandson and wants the best for him, but sometimes that means stepping back and letting others in his life take the reins.
. And let's be real, the mom is already juggling a million things on her plate, so the last thing she needs is grandma breathing down her neck all the time.
. After all, it's not about grandma's generosity or love; it's about giving the kid space to develop his own interests and relationships outside of just mom and grandma 
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I feel so bad for the young mom, stuck in the middle with her controlling grandma. Like, what even is "house rules" when it comes to your own grandkid? 
Can't she just chill out and let others have a say? 
On the other hand, I kinda get why the grandma wants to exert control - it's probably because she loves her grandson so much, but that doesn't mean she has to suffocate him with rules. 
And Abby is right, boundaries are important, even for grandmas! 
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. I think it's great that Abby's all about healthy boundaries, 'cause that's what kids need most – the freedom to be themselves without someone else's expectations weighin' them down 
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. But hey, if you wanna take some leftover food from a potluck, just ask first, like Abby said – considerate and all that jazz 
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As for tipping bartenders who get paid a good salary... isn't that like paying them twice? It just doesn't seem right. And on the potluck thing... yeah, I can see how asking without offering something in return could be seen as tacky. Leaving some of your own food for the host is definitely a nice touch. 
It's all about finding that balance. And I think that's what this situation is all about - learning to let go and trust others to do the right thing.
. its so important 4 the little dude 2 develop his own boundaries n stuff, n that means not havin grandma dictate every aspect of his life. 
. jus stick 2 tipping them privately, ya feel? n also, askin 4 leftover food at a potluck is pretty considerate, but u gotta check w/ the host first, no pressure! 
. Anywayz, it's super unfair to the kid's mom that she's gotta navigate this whole situation while her own mom is trying to dictate everythin' about her grandson's life. It's like, hello girl, set boundaries and respect each other's space! 
. It's not even about the stuff, it's about respecting boundaries and letting others have a say in his life too 
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. If you want some leftover food, just ask the host if it's cool with them first. Don't be like a sneaky snack thief 
. And remember, leave a little something for your host so they know you're appreciative of their effort. Simple, right? 
. And to the bartender reader, tipping is just a way of showing appreciation for good service, so yeah, leave that tip jar at the bar 
but at least Abby said somethin positive - teachin' healthy boundaries is key 
his mom is trying but the grandma's being super overbearing it's like she thinks she owns the kid lol . and can u believe she's dictating what snacks he can have? like, hello snack time is not a dictatorship 
. It's great that Abby is saying the grandma needs to chill out and let others in on the fun 
. But leaving private tips or even contributing to one is a nice gesture