Annie’s Mailbox: Help grandson see mother loves him

Dear Annie: What has happened to the politeness, courtesy and respect that we instilled in our own children but somehow got lost down the tree?

My grandson, who is 8, has talked back to his mother for as long as I can remember. She didn’t discipline him as I would have with a good spanking. My daughter is divorced from the boy’s father. The father remarried and has custody because my daughter couldn’t handle him. The boy now tells her that he doesn’t want her to attend his school functions.

My daughter does not get informed of any of his school functions or conferences or any other things going on in his life. The father bad-mouths my daughter in front of my grandson.

What exactly should she do with respect to correcting her son? It’s getting so out of hand that I fear for her future relationship with him. Should I step in? These parents are in their 30s and should be able to figure these things out themselves. – Grandma Who Is Just a Little Worried

Dear Grandma: Your grandson shows disrespect toward his mother because that is what he learns from his father. His father has cut your daughter off from being involved in her son’s school activities. This is known as parental alienation and should not be permitted. You certainly could speak to your grandson when you see him and gently help him see that his mother loves him and should be treated better. Your daughter, however, should speak to her lawyer.