Dear Carolyn: As parents of two teenagers, my husband and I find our kids generally sensible and open in sharing their lives with us. However, in the past year, my husband has developed a habit of offering advice on every topic the kids mention. This has led to situations where our children cannot bring up any subject without receiving a lengthy lecture from their dad.
This pattern affects how our kids interact with us, making it harder for them to share freely. My husband believes it’s his duty to guide them through life as long as he is able. While his intentions are earnest, his approach might be causing the kids to tune out, impacting the open lines of communication we have always valued.