I actually learned this from an animal-behavior specialist called in to help with a problem dog, well before I ever had kids: “A tired dog is a happy dog.” Physically tired from playing hard, not overstimulated-and-stuck-inside-for-hours tired. Dear Carolyn: So, my only brother and his girlfriend announced in August they're expecting a baby. I don't have an independent relationship with the baby's mom, and my brother is too upset to help facilitate one. You will still be an aunt, only 120 miles away — plus, presumably, your brother will share custody? So the only thing “slipping away” is the beta version of your imagined auntie role.

Source: Washington Post December 21, 2020 05:03 UTC