Navigating Parenting Problems: Safety and Sibling Rivalry

A parent is worried about their child's safety during visits with their ex-partner. The child has mentioned dangerous conditions at the ex's home, like holes in the floor and indoor rain. The parent is hesitant to intervene because of past conflicts and the ex's defensive attitude. They wonder if they should trust their child's words or dismiss them as exaggerations. The ex-partner has been renovating a fixer-upper, which was a source of trouble even before their separation. The house had numerous issues, from structural problems to mold, and the parent fears these might not be fully resolved. Despite the ex having a certificate of occupancy, the child's descriptions of the living conditions are concerning.Another parent faces a different challenge: a cousin who bullies their younger daughter. The cousin enjoys scaring and tormenting the child, and the parents of the cousin refuse to address the behavior. With the cousin staying over for Thanksgiving, the parent seeks advice on how to protect their child without causing a family feud. The parent considers setting boundaries and supervising interactions closely. They also plan to prepare their daughters by explaining acceptable behavior and encouraging them to seek help if needed. The goal is to teach resilience and conflict resolution without resorting to violence. In another situation, a parent is torn about their independent teenager's plan to spend the summer planting trees in the wilderness. The parent worries about the risks but also recognizes their child's need for adventure. They struggle with balancing safety concerns and supporting their child's aspirations.