y o you have to be a doormat? Susan responds: Bob and Teresa have every right to expect courteous behavior from anyone living in their home. The problem is they allowed the anger to build up instead of nipping it in the bud. When you fail to set boundaries for your grown children, they will walk all over you. This is especially difficult when a grandchild is involved because you don’t want to lose access. So, how does one set reasonable boundaries without alienating the violators? Grandparents do indeed need to set egos aside and even do their share of crow eating, all on behalf of the child. This can be accomplished with effective communication techniques without feeling like a doormat. At this point, however, perhaps the best approach is for Bob and Teresa to send the young couple a brief note apologizing for their angry outburst and offer an olive branch. Parents hold the keys to the kingdom. It’s best to always include them and embrace the entire family instead of just the child. Click to read this true (abridged) story in its entirety. GRANDparent Must Reading for Every Support Grandparents We offer FREE counseling to grandparents who are struggling to reconnect with their grandchildren. Help Grandchildren Grandparent involvement helps grandchildren to thrive and become well adjusted. DONATE For a $10.00 donation, we will send you a copy of our book Grand Wishes. Share this article with your friends. MAY JUNE 2011 GRAND 37 *