COVERITLIVE.COM

11:59

MissConduct - Hello, everyone! This is Robin. What's going on with you?

11:59

MissConduct - Anything at all?

12:01

MissConduct - Mr. Improbable and I are leaving for Italy this evening, so today's poll will be in honor of that: what's your favorite pasta sauce?

12:01

[Comment From Guest1021]
Hello - at what point in the relationship does a boyfriend/girlfriend have to get Christmas gifts for the other's parents? Specifically, when they don't see each other's families often?

12:03

MissConduct - It would make sense to bring something if you're an established couple, but families differ, so you should talk to your significant other about how big a deal Christmas is, and what kind of gift would be appropriate.

12:03

[Comment From HK]
Hi Robin! Your poll needs a "depends on my mood" option because I love red, alfredo, and pesto!

12:03

MissConduct - I think you should try plain olive oil, too, then. It's good w/ fried garlic, or pepper flakes, or grated cheese, too.

12:04

[Comment From HK]
I think that might depend on the olive oil too ;)

12:04

MissConduct - True.

12:05

[Comment From Guest]
i have a quick question about bridal showers. my future mother in law is foreign, but heard that she should throw me a shower and told me she really wants to (this is not the tradition in her culture). however, she has no idea where to start. she has no daughters to guide her, and has asked me to help her plan it. is it totally awful to basically plan my own shower with her approval?

12:06

MissConduct - It doesn't have to be either/or. You can get a book or find an informative website and plan it together. That way, you can get to know each other, and she can learn a little more about the country she lives in (as well as her future daughter-in law).

12:07

[Comment From CBAE]
Guest-No! Go for it-use your common sense and do exactly what you said-guide her while making sure she feels she has input into the decision making. Make it fun and it will be a great experience for the two of you to get to know each other and bond.

12:08

[Comment From OffTheGridGirl]
woops. I'm a little rusty in the chat dept. Anyway, you got a question similar to mine during the last chat, I think, but I'm wondering how to tactfully answer an in-law's constant requests to babysit my kids -- and I'm not really keen to have her do so. Every time I see her (which isn't often, yet another reason to not give my kids over to her), she HAS to make some comment about having the kids over or taking them somewhere with her. What can I say, other than "thank you," to get the "thanks but no thanks" point across??

12:09

MissConduct - "We'll let you know, but frankly I think we're scheduled up pretty tightly for a while." Might a gentle put-off work instead of bluntly rejecting her services forever? (Which is almost certain to lead to an awkward conversation about why ...) Any other parents face this problem?

12:10

[Comment From teeny]
Hi Miss C...this page is loading very slowly, not sure if it's Boston.com or my computer. Anyway, I have a question and I'm not sure if it's better suited for Barbara's mailbag, but you give great advice, so I'm trying you first. I have a 6yo stepdaughter, I've been the primary woman in her life for 4 years now. Mom is a story for another day. My husband and I have moved to a new town and we're meeting new people left and right. My husband and I got married this year so the "stepmother" title is something new for all of us. People understandably assume that I'm her mom, but I'm not sure how to correct them. I have issues with the term "stepmom" since there are so many negatives associated with it, but I love my stepdaughter as though she's my own. Also, I'm pretty easy going, so I'd love something non-serious to say to people. Thanks so much!

12:12

MissConduct - It seems to me that you are this kid's mom. Is that what your stepdaughter calls you? If so, I don't think you necessarily even have to mention that you're not her biological mother, unless it becomes relevant. But there's nothing wrong with "stepmom," either--I don't think we live in the world of the Brothers Grimm anymore. Again, though--any parents in this position?

12:12

[Comment From Cordelia]
The in-law probably isn't that keen on taking your kids if she hasn't asked to take them on a specific day - she's just trying to sound interested and involved. Why not invite her along next time you take the kids out to a movie or zoo? Maybe she just wants to be with them.

12:12

MissConduct - That's a good point.

12:13

[Comment From Q]
Whoops. Let's try again - Hi Robin, my husband and I are planning a casual party for Halloween. I'd like to invite the people from my group at work (small group, 8 people). Three of my co-workers have small children and I'm concerned that the party will conflict with trick or treating. Would it be appropriate, when inviting these people, to mention that I understand if they can't make it because of this? What I really don't want is people coming to my house out of a feeling of obligation, and kids being disappointed. We have no kids and while I would of course have treats on hand for them, it's not going to be as fun as trick or treating.

12:14

MissConduct - Oh, parents aren't going to let their kids down on trick-or-treating, I don't think! But you can certainly acknowledge it, "Love to have you and the kids, although I realize it's a big night"--something like that.

Page 1 Next >