Adult children are ungrateful

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

Our children were raised properly. We gave them all they would ever need to succeed and be happy. However, neither one is particularly 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 standoffish. We make no demands on either of them and never impose ourselves in any way. They never invite us to anything. We want to move away and disappear. What do you think?

Dear Enough: Have you tried asking them why they are so distant? Unless you do, nothing will change. Because holidays are strained, celebrate with those who appreciate you and whose company you enjoy.

Dear Abby: My sixth-grade 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.

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.