Saturday, March 28, 2026

Carolyn Hax: When is it okay for parents to talk to kids about grandma’s affair?

Dear Carolyn wrote to ask for advice about her mother-in-law. Carolyn’s mother-in-law is seeing someone else while still being married to her father-in-law. Carolyn has two young children who see their grandmother often. When the grandmother is away, the kids ask where she is, and Carolyn says she is out of town. Carolyn does not want to lie to her children but also does not want to share too much information that they may not understand. The writer advises Carolyn to handle the situation with care and set boundaries with her kids. She also suggests not forcing oneself to start dating after leaving an abusive relationship and instead focus on building friendships and connections without rushing into romantic relationships.

Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
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AccentSpeed

Mother-in-lawnoun
The mother of one.s spouse.

Boundariesnoun
Guidelinesrulesor limits that a person creates for themselves in relationships.

Abusiveadjective
Involving cruel and violent treatment of others.

Romanticadjective
Relating to love or a closeloving relationship.

Advicenoun
Guidance or recommendations offered concerning prudent future action.

Connectionsnoun
Relationships with othersor the way that people or things are related to each other.
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
AccentSpeed
Mother-in-lawnoun
The mother of one.s spouse.
Boundariesnoun
Guidelinesrulesor limits that a person creates for themselves in relationships.
Abusiveadjective
Involving cruel and violent treatment of others.
Romanticadjective
Relating to love or a closeloving relationship.
Advicenoun
Guidance or recommendations offered concerning prudent future action.
Connectionsnoun
Relationships with othersor the way that people or things are related to each other.

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