Greetings, Abby Cindra, a friend of mine, has two kids. Both are homeschooled and lack many independent skills. Cindra and I have quite different parenting beliefs and points of view. Her children and mine are almost the same age. She has permitted her son and daughter to share a bed with her and her spouse since they were infants.
Cindra’s son is nine years old, and her daughter is eleven. The children’s continued co-sleeping with their parents at this age seems inappropriate, especially since the girl has begun puberty.
I’m worried for her children’s welfare since I care about them. Shall I bring this up with Cindra? Or would doing so be going too far? — IN TEXAS, ANOTHER MOTHER
Stories by
Abigail Van Buren
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TO MY MOTHER: As long as there is no abuse, parents are free to raise their kids however they see proper. The daughter may WANT to have some privacy now that she is approaching the stage of becoming a young woman. I don’t see any benefit in bringing up this topic with Cindra.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
