My kids’ uncle showed up while my son was babysitting and scared them half to death. Even worse, I think my mother-in-law sent him! This sounds complicated, says our elder….
No sympathy for my sis-in-law
How can I help my codependent in-laws without getting sucked into their madness? You can’t change their behaviour, says our elder — but you can change your own attitude. Stop…
Dying grandad is inappropriate
My grandfather keeps saying hurtful, sexually inappropriate things… but he’s dying. Should I spend time with him? There’s no right answer to this one, says our elder. You have to…
Too young to cry
There have been a lot of deaths in my family but I feel that I don’t have the right to cry about it when older relatives are grieving. Of course,…
Saying sorry to my dead mom
A letter writer wants to apologize to her mother for the few times she felt she was ungrateful. Our elder has an idea that might help… Dear EWC Thank you…
I want to quit Mom’s troop
A letter writer wants to quit Girl Scouts — but her mom is the troop leader and meetings are at her house. Can our elder help her leave without hurting…
Don’t come to grad, Dad!
I hate my dad and I don’t want him to come to graduation. Don’t give him the power to ruin your day, says our elder — just do your best…
Use my name, Mom!
My parents know that I’m transgender but my mom still has trouble using my preferred name. Give her time, says our elder. It sounds like she’s trying to adjust. Dear…
Stalked by my sister!
My sister is obsessed with me online and it’s wearing me down. How can I make it stop? Do your best to ignore it, says our elder. It sounds like…
Will my real dad reject me?
I just found my family, but now I’m worried that my real dad won’t want me. Be patient, says our elder. He’s had a shock, and these things take time….