Annie’s Mailbox: Husband too busy for job interview

Dear Annie: I am really concerned about my husband. He became unemployed at the beginning of this year when we were expecting our second child.

Right now, he is selling cars to get by, but the hours are brutal, and the pay is inconsistent. He went back to school to study computers and network security and applied for a job with a computer company. This is an exciting opportunity for him.

The company asked to schedule an interview. My husband told them he is busy this time of year, but would be available as soon as he has next month’s schedule and can check the dates. It has only been a few days, but I am so stressed about this. By saying he was busy, did he take himself out of the running for an interview? – Mrs. Concerned

Dear Concerned: No. Your husband should call the company as soon as he knows his schedule. The fact that he is busy with another job could actually work in his favor. There is, of course, a possibility that the company will hire someone else in the meantime, but that could have happened regardless. Concentrate your thoughts on a positive outcome. Good luck.

Dear Annie: This is in response to “Kids First,” who took a cruise with her in-laws. She was upset when she discovered that her husband and in-laws went out drinking and took the 12- and 14-year-olds along to watch. I think she should lighten up.

These were adults having a good time on vacation. Also, these kids are not toddlers. If Mom sits down and talks to her children about her feelings, they will learn to be responsible. She shouldn’t shield them from life. – D.

Dear D.: We agree that the best way to teach your children to hold fast to the moral standards you set is to teach and explain, not avoid and shield. But it helps when those relatives and friends the children look up to do not deliberately undermine the parents.