Dear Christine,
My husband and I have a wonderful marriage that has been working well for both of us.
We have what I would call an equal marriage. We both work part-time, we both do household chores, we care for the children together and on different nights we each prepare meals. We even shop together.
As a result of our particular jobs, our lifestyle works fine for us, and the children have a better, closer feeling about their father than any of the other children in our district. They respect him and they respect me. They also express some interest and pride in both our professions.
Anyway, my husband’s father came to visit from abroad for a period, and he disapproves of everything we do. He is spilling his prejudice over the lives of our children as well.
I know children are impressionable, and I certainly do not want any of them growing up with their grandfather’s views. What can I do?
– P.H.
Dear P.H.,
It seems to me it depends on how long he’s going to stay. If it is just a matter of a few days, then it’s probably not worth asserting your views too much. I doubt you’ll change him.
If he plans on staying for a lounger period, then I believe you and your husband must have a talk with him and be very candid.
Explain how you feel about your own relationship and also let him know you want your children to grow up without being crippled by having to rigidly conform to fixed roles.
– CHRISTINEÂ
