|
Q: I have two
grandsons, Ned and Adam (not their real names), whom I love dearly.
I only get to see them about four times a year. My relationship
with Adam has deteriorated since my daughter insisted that I discipline
him when he has bad behavior toward me. Since this has been going
on since he was two, you can imagine there is not much of a good
relationship between us. I can understand why this has happened.
He has a smart mouth toward others and me, and his parents seem
to think that it's the responsibility of the people to whom he
is being disrespectful to correct him.
My other grandson Ned is the sweetest boy and
easy to be around. He's in first grade and his teachers in kindergarten
and preschool always tell his mother the same thing. I do favor
Ned over Adam, but it is only due to Adam's total disrespect for
me. I don't have to discipline Ned, but have to always correct
Adam. Adam's parents are both upset with me. I really don't know
what to do. When Adam does show good behavior, I praise him and
do things with him, and it's not difficult at all, but most of
the time he is being disrespectful. Other behaviors of Adam's
are lying, sticking out his tongue, taking and breaking Ned's
things, and hyperactivity. I finally told my daughter that it
was her place to discipline him and she finally agreed.
I have raised three nice children. I always
insisted they have respect for others. I can't seem to come up
with any solution. I just came back from visiting them for nine
days and was practically devastated. I'm at my wits' end.
|
