Controlling dad oversteps

Dear Amy: My husband and I have one daughter, 21, who is a college student. I cannot get him to understand that kids need to make mistakes in order to learn.

He believes it’s our job to keep them from making mistakes. He drills her on details about school and even reads her email. She doesn’t want his help and I tell him to stop doing her thinking, planning and problem-solving. Because of this, we have conflict.

My motto is, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” His anger is causing marriage problems. Please advise what I might do.

Hurting Mom

Dear Hurting: When parents basically function for their adult children, the “worst that can happen” is actually pretty bad.

If your husband keeps this up, your daughter could end up with no problemsolving skills of her own. Or, more likely, she will defy him and set up a sort of “shadow” life that he can’t surveil.

I’m suggesting that in order for her to mature along the expected developmental path toward independence she may have to break with him once she is tired of his control.

You are your daughter’s parent, just as much as your husband is. You should be transparent with both that you disagree with his control of her. If he is angry when you express your own point of view, then too bad.

Email your daughter: “You are legally an adult now, and I want you to live your life the way you want to live it. I have been honest with Dad that I disagree with his parenting at this stage of your life. I trust you to do your best and to occasionally make mistakes. I hope you won’t let anyone else be in charge of your life — including us — but you can always come to us for help if you need it.”

If your husband reads this email in the course of his surveillance, then all the better. Your daughter also has the right to her own opinion, and if she doesn’t like her father’s behavior, then she, not you, should communicate that to him.

Dear Amy: I am currently living with my ex. We broke up three years ago but remain roommates, which helps financially.

I’m also anxiety-prone. He can be helpful because he does things that I have a hard time doing. However, sometimes his response to the #MeToo movement and rape culture triggers me, as I am a rape survivor.

He is one of the guys who says that rape culture does not exist and that many women lie about being assaulted.

He is the kind of guy I don’t want to be around, but my anxiety about not being independent enough makes me ignore how uncomfortable I am being around him.

Before you mention therapy, I already am working with a therapist. What should I do?

Stuck in Oregon

Dear Stuck: It is important for you not to have constant contact with someone who keeps you stuck in your trauma cycle. Since you already know your ex’s opinion on matters that are important to you, you should avoid discussing your trauma with him.

I hope your work with your therapist involves a plan to change your housing situation.

A clinical social worker could help you to make progress regarding some of the life skills you avoid due to your anxiety.