Dear Kathy,
Every year in October I have the same argument with my brother’s wife about Halloween. She thinks that I’m damaging my children and compromising my values by letting my kids participate in Halloween.
We both belong to a church that is against Halloween. I agree that Halloween has a lot of evil things associated with it. I’m careful to avoid them, though.
The way I do things with my kids is to dress them in positive costumes and I take them to a harvest party. I’m comfortable with my choice and I want her to accept it instead of starting with me every year. Is that too much to ask?
Tired of Arguing
Dear Friend,
When it comes to your children, you are the authority. Why do you put yourself in the position of “asking” for her permission?
I suggest that you focus your responses to your sister-in-law on one central theme - that you are the authority in your children’s lives. Define your boundaries and kindly, but firmly, stick to them. State your position and leave it at that, don’t argue.
Happy Halloween,
Kathy
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