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RELEASE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012 Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999. Dear Readers: Several readers have written to say it was easier to get off cocaine than …Read more. RELEASE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2012 Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999. Dear Ann Landers: Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with kidney disease. My mother told me …Read more. RELEASE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2012 Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999. Dear Ann Landers: Too many parents have no idea what goes on all day in school, and yet, …Read more. RELEASE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012 Editor's Note: Hundreds of Ann Landers' loyal readers have requested that newspapers continue to publish her columns. These letters originally appeared in 1999. Dear Ann Landers: I am the mother of a very confused 5-year-old boy. His father and I …Read more.
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Classic Ann Landers November 22

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Dear Ann Landers: My husband and I have a home on the lake where we go on weekends and vacations with our two children, their spouses and our four young grandchildren.

The problem is a 12-year-old girl who lives across the street. This child is mentally disabled and comes over all the time. She knocks on our door and looks in our windows. Every time we turn around, she is right under us. If we tell her to go home, she is back in five minutes with the same routine. She doesn't understand why she can't be at our house all the time. Our grandchildren don't understand what is wrong with her. They shout, "Go home," but she ignores them.

I feel bad for the child, but I honestly don't know how to deal with the problem. Her mother is totally oblivious and no help at all. Will you please tell us what to do about this nuisance? I am — Distressed in Dyer, Tenn.

Dear Distressed in Dyer: Please do not lose this opportunity to teach your grandchildren the importance of being kind and compassionate to people who are less fortunate than they are. That little girl should not be considered a "nuisance" when she peers in the windows and comes over uninvited. She simply is displaying natural curiosity and has no idea she is "bothering" anyone.

You say your grandchildren don't understand what is wrong with her. It is up to you to explain to them this unfortunate child's mental limitations. I hope you will do so at once.

Dear Ann Landers: I am a reasonably sensible man who has been married for more than 20 years.

We have two wonderful children. The problem is my wife.

"Portia" and I have been separated a number of times, most recently six months ago. At that time, she became very bitter and turned the children against me. While we were separated, I met a woman who restored my self-esteem and made me feel fantastic in every way. She was vibrant, beautiful and truly understanding. However, because of Portia's insistence, I moved back home and am more miserable than ever. My in-laws are now very chilly; some of our best friends have turned cold; and the marriage still leaves a great deal to be desired.

I am no longer in love with my wife, but I'm afraid my children would hate me if I were to ask for a divorce. What should I do, Ann? — Betwixt and Between in Ohio

Dear B and B: As long as the other woman is in your life, the chances for making a go of it with Portia are pretty slim. Try counseling, and make an effort to heal the breach. Meanwhile, now is a good time to improve your relationship with your children. When parents don't get along, kids feel insecure and can use a little extra TLC.

Feeling pressured to have sex? How informed are you? Write for Ann Landers' booklet "Sex and the Teenager." Send a self-addressed, long, business-sized envelope and a check or money order for $3.75 (this includes postage and handling) to: Teens, c/o Ann Landers, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

ANN LANDERS (R)

COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS.COM


Comments

2 Comments | Post Comment
Are you kidding me?! The 12 y/o girl shouldn't be considered a nuisance when she's peering in windows and basicly stalking this woman and her Grandchildren?! Yes, the child has a mental illness and yes, Grandma should explain to her Grand kids what that means so the do understand. However, we don't know if the Grandkids are much younger then the 12 y/o and, quite frankly, why should anyone have to babysit someone else's child because they are being neglected at home. I wouldn't want to be put into this situation either. Perhaps she should call child services if she feels the 12 y/o is neglected, if the stalking continues, she should get a restraining order,or at the very least, speak to the police and see what can be done. If the 12 y/o trips and hurts herself on Grandma's property, I'm sure her oblivious mother would "wake up and smell the lawsuit".-Not a babysitter-NJ
Comment: #1
Posted by: Tina
Wed Nov 25, 2009 10:33 AM
I also disagree with Ann on this one. I am so sick of hearing the advice that we should use these opportunities to broaden our outlooks or become a positive influence for the child. There is a time and a place for everything and peeping in windows and not following instructions to go home are NOT the right time and place. Perhaps the family is right at meal time or doing some activity where the child could be hurt. The OP should walk the girl back home and tell the parents that the child has wandered over. Repeat as needed until they get the message.
Comment: #2
Posted by: It's me
Sun Nov 7, 2010 6:56 AM
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