Dear Ada
Posted: Friday, April 13, 2007 1:20 PM by Katherine Billman
Ada is back with more advice for our viewers. She answers a few of your questions here:
Dear Ada,
I’m a stay at home Mother of four children ranging in ages 3 – 11 years old. My husband is a car salesman. I feel he is married to his job. I resent him for being so committed to his job, and yet rarely around for us. Because the kids are so young, I really could use his help. My entire family is in NJ and I feel so all alone most of the time. I have made a lot of friends here in Florida, but friends can’t replace Daddy. I don’t know how to get him to come home early more often. By the time he does come home, I hate him for coming home late.
Maria, Bradenton, FL
Dear Maria,
Hmm…ok. Your husband is at work all day, and you want him to leave at a reasonable time to come home and deal with 4 kids, and a resentful wife. Can you blame him for wanting to sell more cars? Seriously, I’m sure the children are precious, but you need to look at this situation through his eyes. But let’s start with you first. Children can be exhausting and it’s important that you find “me time”. How about creating a rotation with your friends where each of you can watch all the kids for 3 hours once or twice a week? Use that time to recharge, and do something that’s going to make you feel good about you. It’s also important that your husband find quiet time when he gets home. How about a kid free dinner night once a week? Let your imagination flow…got it? Plan your family time together carefully. You want it to be enjoyable for all. Let’s face it, when you’re feeling resentful, and he’s exhausted, it’s a guarantee that the kids are cranky as well. The parents are setting the tone, and the kids are picking up on it. It’s all about balance, and your relationship with your husband is just as important as the children needing to spend more time with Daddy.
Dear Ada,
I am a faithful watcher of the Today Show for probably 15 years or more. The other morning Matt said something about something major happening in his life. I never heard what that was. Can you tell me if there are any changes around for Matt?
Judy, Williamsburg, VA
Dear Judy,
The major happening in Matt’s life, which he announced last week on Today, is that “Where In The World Is Matt Lauer” kicks off on Monday, April 30th. Matt will hit five locations around the globe in one week. Make sure to tune in!
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