Dear Queenie,
When my unmarried daughter died I was left with her toddler son. I love my grandson, but I’m almost 60, not married, and it’s a strain. My friends my own age have their own interests and my boyfriend, who is much younger than me, broke up with me, and I don’t get any time for myself because as soon as I look away the kid gets into some kind of mischief.
Queenie, HELP!—Overwrought grandmother
Dear Grandmother,
Can the child’s grandfather (your ex-husband?) and/or the boy’s other grandparents help by looking after him now and then so you can have some free time? What about the boy’s father? He should at least be paying support for his son, which would help you pay for day-care or a babysitter if you need financial assistance. And soon enough the boy will be old enough to go to school every day, which will also give you some relief.
