Parents want freedom from ungrateful kids

Dear Abby: My wife and I raised two children — a son who is a successful doctor and a daughter who is a multipost-grad botanist. We are 72 now, in moderately failing health and very successful.

Our children were raised properly. We gave them all they would ever need to succeed and be happy. However, neither one is interested in a loving relationship with us. Holidays together are strained.

Frankly, I’m quite sick of both of them. They are inconsiderate, insensitive and standof ish. We make no demands on either of them. They never invite us to anything. We want to move away and disappear. What do you think? — Enough Already, in California

Dear Enough: People can disappear without physically moving away, as your children have already demonstrated. Have you tried asking them why they are so distant? Unless you do, nothing will change. Because holidays are strained, celebrate with those whose company you enjoy.

Dear Abby: My sixthgrade grandson is in a 2 1/2-hour social studies class. He told me that during that time the teacher texts at least six times. I think this deprives the students of valuable instructional time. My daughter hasn’t spoken to the principal about it — yet. I wonder when this concern will be expressed by other parents and discussed in your column. — Time to Learn in Texas

Dear Time to Learn: Has your daughter discussed this with the parents of the other students? If she hasn’t, she should, because they may not be aware of what the teacher is doing. If they ind it as concerning as you and your daughter do, they should approach the principal.

Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.