New mother opts to send child to daycare, not grandmother’s care

Dear Abby: I gave birth a month ago to a wonderful baby boy. My husband and I originally planned to put him in day care when I go back to work.When my mom found out, she said she had assumed she would be watching him, so I eventually told her she could. My parents watch my sister’s young children seven days a week. The children are very ill-behaved. I do not want my son subjected to their tantrums and violent behavior, nor do I want him to think that their behavior is acceptable. How do I kindly tell her that I’ve changed my mind? I’m afraid it will hurt her feelings.

— At A Loss

For Words

Dear At A Loss: Tell your mother that you do

Dear Abby: A friend of mine, “Gladys,” was looking for a home for an old dog. “Breezy” was 12, and his owner had died. Gladys was fostering Breezy until a new home could be found. I told her I’d take him if she couldn’t find another home. Breezy was living with his new owners for about a month when they called to tell Gladys the dog “wasn’t feeling well.” When she went to check on it, she decided the placement wasn’t working out and asked if I would take him. I agreed.

A couple days later, Gladys called saying the previous owners had taken Breezy to a veterinarian and expected her to pay the vet bill. Now she’s expecting ME to reimburse her for the $319 vet bill because I have him! Am I responsible for that bill? Please help. — Dog Lover

Dear Dog Lover: No, you are not responsible.