For You

When the bug of baggy and grunge overruns your son’s wardrobe, create a “back-up”… on days when you want him to come along for a visit to your friends’ home, and he turns up in his “cool” fatigues, don’t hit the roof! Keep a few sets of semi-formal clothes for him in your closet – down to innerwear, socks, and shoes – and get him to change. In winter, keep a good jacket.

Even if your son’s not much of a rebel, but is utterly careless (like most children his age), this foolproof method can help you monitor his clothes, keeping them ready to wear at a moment’s notice. While he may have to repeat the clothes a few times in the season, it’s a small price to pay. He may even straighten out his closet when “threatened” with “emergency-wear”.

Your mum and dad are not getting any younger; nor are their friends. While you may not have noticed it or brushed it aside, insecurities about death may have crept in… People whose company they sought all their lives may be critically ill or may have passed away, leaving them anxious and upset.

So don’t lose your patience if they repeatedly moan about “counting their days”. Or talk about it over tea or during a shout walk, if your parents are reticent and keep to themselves. If you think that talking might make it worse, subtly remind them how they make such a difference to you and their grandchildren. Also, try to keep them engaged and get your child to introduce them to a new hobby.