Parents already know 'Fiona' has become a handful



Dear Annie: My son and daughter-in-law are parents of a darling 3-year-old girl, "Fiona." My problem is watching them give her everything she wants, and her consequential behavior. They rarely say "no," and when Fiona causes a scene in a public place, it is very embarrassing. The other night, they had to pick up their dinner and go home from a restaurant, because Fiona wanted to walk around, and when told she couldn't, she had a fit.
My son and his wife are expecting another child in the fall, and I want to talk to my son about this. Having two children behaving like Fiona will be horrible. My husband has such a problem tolerating his granddaughter that he would rather not see her.
Should I try to discuss this with my son, or should I keep my mouth shut? I am so torn. I never thought they would be so ignorant about a child's behavior. I know how people feel about spoiled kids. I just want the best for them all. Please help me do the right thing. Just a Grandma
Dear Grandma: Three-year-olds can be difficult and prone to tantrums. Fiona will outgrow this stage, but it can be unpleasant while she's in it. We don't recommend you criticize Fiona to her parents. They already know she's a handful and will ask for advice if they want it. Love her as best you can, and when her behavior is more than you can tolerate, make your excuses and leave.
Dear Annie: I have been a homemaker for the past 22 years, so I am not familiar with the current workforce etiquette.
My oldest son finished college and is looking for employment. After having an interview, what is the proper procedure for the employer to get back to him? How long does he wait to hear? My son follows up his interviews with thank-you notes or e-mails. Don't you think it is rude for the employers not to give him a response to let him know if he has the job or not? There is nothing wrong with them telling him that the position has been filled so he isn't left hanging.
There are many articles about how someone should present himself for an interview, but I think it's time for employers to learn how to behave after the interview is over. How long does it take to say "yes" or "no"? Am I just old- fashioned? Job-Seeker's Mom
Dear Mom: This is a common complaint. Many employers do not bother to tell prospective employees when the position has been filled, and yes, this is rude and terribly inconsiderate. If your son has not heard from the interviewer after one week, he should call or e-mail and ask what the status is. If he hears nothing after another week, he should assume the position has been filled and look elsewhere.
Dear Annie: I have to reply to "Holding My Nose," who complained that her daughter's friend is not very clean and smells terrible. She is angry with this girl's parents.
I could be that girl's mother. I, too, have a beautiful daughter, and no matter how many times I asked her to shower regularly, she would not. She thought I was just nagging her and that other people didn't notice the odor.
What finally helped my daughter was the genuine concern of one of her friend's mothers, who gently commented on her aroma. She now showers regularly and makes sure to wear clean clothes every day. Fresh as a Daisy
Dear Fresh: Thanks for letting our readers know that sometimes, no matter how awkward, it is a kindness to gently tell someone when they have body odor.
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