EASTER QUESTIONS

Q My difficult parents want our family to stay with them over Easter. They are very serious about religion and will insist on us going to church at least twice. I don’t want my young kids to get involved with this. 

A Now that you have your own family decisions about religion are up to you not their grandparents. Explain that you can only stay over Easter if you are in control of how you all spend your time.  Otherwise visit on another occasion. 

Q My horrid father is insisting on telling my 5 year old that there’s no such thing as the Easter Bunny but I want  her to enjoy believing in it for now.
A It is completely up to when your daughter learn about these myths.  If your father cannot agree to this then avoid him over the season.

Q My mother constantly plies my children with chocolate throughout Easter which is unhealthy and makes them feel sick.

A If she gives them too much chocolate  limit what they have by taking eggs with you and letting them choose how much of which egg they want. You are in charge of their diet so be firm with your mother.  Surely she won’t want to clear up after them if they are sick.

PASSOVER QUESTIONS

 Q My parents are religious and want my children to stay up throughout the Seder even if it ends at midnight.  It makes them very bad tempered.

A Tell them in advance that you will be putting the children to bed just after the meal, because they get too disruptive when they are tired. 

Q My parents invite several people to their Seder who have no interest in religion and talk throughout. My husband, children and I love Passover and hate the fact that these distant relatives spoil it.   

A Next year avoid going by making the Seder yourself. Tell your parents they have done enough and and invite them to you.  I’m sure the talkative relatives won’t mind missing out.  

Q My mother is a martyr particularly at Passover. She is exhausted by all the cleaning and cooking but won’t be helped and is always in a foul mood.  It spoils the occasion.  

A Praise her sky high and say it is about time she eased off.  Ask if you can take food round or do all the clearing and washing up.   If that fails put a lot into the Seder and try to put her bad temper to the side.