How can I do more to help my parents when I have a young family of my own?
Dear Annalisa, A few months ago, my dad went into a care home. The cognitive symptoms of his Parkinson’s were getting worse after 18 years and my…
How should I tell my bigoted mother that my daughter has come out?
Dear Annalisa, About 10 months ago my 27-year-old daughter came out as gay. This was a surprise as she had previously only dated men but we have adjusted to…
Can it be safe for my five-year-old granddaughter to ride pillion on her dad’s motorbike?
Dear Annalisa, My daughter’s ex-husband has decided that it is safe to take my granddaughter (who is just five) on the back of his motorcycle. He has…
My mother-in-law is so possessive about our unborn baby. What can I do?
Dear Annalisa, I’m pregnant with my first child. My husband and I waited a long time to tell my in-laws because we knew all hell would break loose…
I worry my grandson is being harmed by his father’s negative behaviour
Dear Annalisa, I am the grandmother of a six-year-old boy. The mother divorced the father four years ago because of abusive behaviour. Although both parents are British, the…
My mother is too hands-on with our first baby – how can I tell her to leave us alone?
Dear Annalisa, My partner and I recently became first-time parents. We are lucky to have both sets of grandparents to give hands-on support. This was particularly great…
I want to have a better relationship with my gran, but her behaviour enrages me
Dear Annalisa, I wish I could have a better relationship with my grandmother. She has beenrecognised as a difficult person, a liar and highly critical for as long…
My toxic mother wants contact with my child – how do I approach this?
Dear Annalisa, I am expecting a baby later this year. Despite living in a different country, my mother wants to be as involved as she can. I…
My father-in-law criticises my parenting. How do I deal with that?
Dear Annalisa, My husband’s parents live nearby and have been a great support since my son was born last year (my family live abroad). They regularly help out…
My in-laws are manipulating our children. How do I stop them?
Dear Annalisa, I am worried my in-laws are trying to turn my children against me. They are mainly civil on the surface, but they’ve never liked me…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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