Dear LFTP: a mother's disappointment in her adult daughters
- How should a disappointed mother respond to her adult daughters' life choices?
A listener writes that her younger daughter has been dating a marijuana-smoking young man for less than a year, and her older daughter already has two children by two men; she is disgusted by their choices and adds, defensively, that she adopted them - 'I'm not a harlot.' The hosts push back on the judgmental, reputation-protecting framing: the decisions are already made and she can't change them, but backing off judgment doesn't mean checking out - she should stay present, love them, interject Jesus and grace, and aim at repentance without self-protection. One host: 'I'm King David style - I'll make a fool of myself if I think it will help my children.' The show's 'secular advice' counterpoint says to say nothing while angry but to text asking how she and John plan to support the baby.
More on Family
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Dear LFTP: the single man and the holiday cliques
- Would it be wrong for the lonely single man to start declining holiday invitations?
The first Dear LFTP letter: a single man, happy with his life and plenty of friends and family, dreads the holidays — at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings of 15 to 25 people,…
From No. 603 · Found Out
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Dear LFTP: the grandma, 'Libby,' and the weight comment
- Was I wrong to mention my concern about Libby's weight?
Mike reads the letter: she moved 2,000 miles to be near her daughter's family; granddaughter 'Libby' was diagnosed with a medical condition and put on weight.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the Mimi letter ('Call Me Hoopi')
- Is it wrong for a grandmother to be upset when her grandson's other grandmother claims the same nickname?
Mike reads the Dear LFTP letter: a grandmother whose two-year-old grandson calls her Mimi — but the other grandmother claimed Mimi for herself, and the daughter-in-law is annoyed and doesn't want 'mom mom' either.