The 16 yo daughter of a lady I am good friends with was contacted after an argument by the fiance of her ex-husband regarding how to deal with a borderline abusive situation at home. The discussion evidently even went to far as to see if the daughter could advise her whether to go to a hotel or home to sleep with him. My friend feels this very inappropriate. Is it a big deal? She is very upset and is contemplating a measured response and future plan to stop this from happening ever again. She would like to do so without alienating her daughter (who seems to enjoy the attention) or poisoning the future relationship with her daughters dad and soon to be stepmom. Her and I both agree that she is probably on track to become another abused spouse and ought to leave the relationship - but right now that will not happen.
I know the mefi crowd is sensitive, smart, and probably a good place to get some input, any thoughts?
posted by sfts2
on Apr 1, 2013 -
11 answers
I'm looking for books about parenting in past times -- did the Victorians write about raising children? How about the middle ages? Even early 20th century would be interesting to me. If you have any personal insights about past parenting methods and the day-to-day of child-rearing, please share!
posted by amanda
on Jan 17, 2013 -
15 answers
How can I (or anyone) stop my friend's mother-in-law from sneaking alcohol to my friend's infant daughter?
Alice and Bill have a baby, Clarice. Alice and Bill used to drink heavily, until they had Clarice, who is now about a year and a half old. Bill's parents, Dave and Edna, guzzle wine all day long. When Dave and Edna come to visit Alice, Bill and Clarice at the holidays, Edna's favorite game is to stick her finger in her wine glass and get Clarice to lick the wine off her finger.
Alice hates this, and prevents it when she's around, but she can't be in the room with them every single second. Just this evening, I was holding Clarice when Alice stepped out of the room, and had an awkward stand-off with Edna because I wouldn't let Clarice do it.
Thank you in advance for any practical tips you might have.
posted by plague
on Dec 24, 2011 -
41 answers
Can anyone recommend some good introductory-level books on child development?
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posted by eliina
on Mar 22, 2011 -
7 answers
Looking for intelligent writing (especially memoirs) on pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting that aren't fluffy/mainstream "how-to" guides, as a gift to an expectant couple in their early/mid 20s.
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posted by autoclavicle
on Aug 30, 2010 -
19 answers
I'm seeking your thoughts and experiences with the sport of paintball. My 13 year old son has recently developed a keen interest in paintball after taking a trip with me, his uncle, and a friend to an outdoor paintball place. We all had an awesome time, and my son is now enthusiastic to the point of obsession about the prospect of buying a paintball gun.
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posted by not_on_display
on Jan 7, 2009 -
21 answers
How do the parents of Black (and biracial and other ethnic minority) children teach them about racism and -- most importantly -- how to handle it?
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posted by jason's_planet
on Nov 17, 2006 -
16 answers
I love my wife. She is deeply religious. I have become an atheist. Do I tell her? What now?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 5, 2006 -
70 answers
My husband and I are about to legally separate with joint custody of our 5-year-old daughter. How do we break the news to her?
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posted by Gucky
on Mar 9, 2005 -
30 answers
We've read every book, played with water in the sink, re-arranged all of his cars and trains, played hide-and-seek, climbed on the dog, and it's only 9 a.m. What was your favorite indoor activity as a two-year old, or what's keeping your favorite toddler amused these days?
posted by Framer
on Jan 3, 2005 -
13 answers
(Probably more useful for next time, but...) My niece (6) and nephew (4) are over, spending the night. After about an hour with our "toy box," they were officially Bored. Mom and Dad won't be here for a good four hours yet. How to entertain kids with a neighborhood full of friends at home and a toy room that rivals Toys R Us?
posted by ferociouskitty
on Jul 11, 2004 -
21 answers
Parents! I could use some ideas for various crafts, hobbies, and quiet activities for kids aged 8 through 13. I'm doing some long-term care for a friend, and I want to wean them from the g.d. boob tube. Cheap, quiet, and independent are key factors. TIA!
posted by five fresh fish
on Feb 4, 2004 -
21 answers
