Welcome to Ask Clare, our advice column. Have a question, dilemma, or quandary? Send it to Clare in an email.
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Clare,
My son goes to Landau Elementary in Cathedral City. They have a no homework policy and I feel like it is making him lazy. When this school year started, I told him I would be giving him assignments unless he did almost perfect only every test in every subject. Now that I am following through, he has convinced my ex-husband that I am insane for making him do homework. Am I being irrational?
– Tiger Cat City Mom
Cat City Mom,
You’re not being irrational to make your son do the work but you are being irrational to think that you’re going to be popular for it. Try not to hold the bar too high. Your son will benefit from a little down time and a chance to play.
– Clare
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Clare,
I feel like my husband doesn’t listen to me. I will give him several choices when I am making plans or picking what to watch and he usually just responds, “yes.” I then have to follow up and find out which option he meant yes to. I hate this and have told him that. Any tips on getting your spouse to listen?
– Listen up
Listen up,
It sounds like your husband may not care too much either way. Make the decision you like best. In terms of getting him to listen, set aside a specific time to go over the issues you need his feedback on rather than asking at random times throughout the day. Pick a time when he isn’t glued to his TV or phone.
– Clare
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Clare,
My best friend is a pain at restaurants. She always tries to order something that’s not on the menu. Not just holing off a topping or two – but really getting creative. She doesn’t have any dietary reason to be so picky. I’ve told her restaurants find it annoying and we should go somewhere that she doesn’t feel the need to do that. She thinks I’m being dramatic. Can you tell her I’m right?
– Displeased dinner date
Displeased dinner date,
You’re right. Trying to do your own thing at a restaurant is usually something that can mess the kitchen up and cause your waiter time and headache. Save yourself the stress and try eating in or going somewhere where she can just leave off what she doesn’t want.
– Clare
