Husband's Work Schedule Means Missing Family Time
DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been married to my husband for about 10 years now, and we have two kids together. My husband is a great provider. He is comforting and stable. To maintain our household, he works most of the week, and when he is home, he's tired. I understand the difficulties of paying bills and keeping yourself afloat, so I do not take offense to the schedule. However, I understand that our children may not have the same view of it. He often has to miss events. I know he would love to go, but his absence leaves them feeling abandoned. I don't want to invalidate his effort to be a part of his family by critiquing him; however, I also do not want my children to grow apart from their father. Growing up, his male influences were traditional, so I think he's emulating what he knows how to do. How do I suggest that he spend more time with us as a family without making him feel inadequate as a father? -- Provider
DEAR PROVIDER: Talk to your husband in a calm, gentle and clear way. Explain that the children are missing his presence. As much as you know that his time is largely absorbed by work, you also know how much they need him. Suggest that he carve out time each week to talk to them and to attend key events so that they feel his presence. If he says thatÕs not how things were done when he was growing up, point out that this is a new day. What you are encouraging is a way for him to have a close relationship with his children.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I took my dog to the vet the other day, and he bit the veterinarian hard enough to draw blood. She was trying to give him a shot, and he got nervous and snapped at her. She was upset with me because I told her that my dog wasnÕt aggressive; he usually isnÕt, but he got spooked. HeÕs never done anything that violent toward anyone before, so I would never have guessed he would do that. HeÕs had multiple shots before this and never reacted in this way. Now IÕm worried about what this means going forward. I donÕt want my dog to be labeled as aggressive if this was truly a one-time reaction out of fear, but at the same time, IÕm scared it could happen again, either at the vet or in another situation. IÕm also anxious about taking him back for future appointments and how to handle it so that everyone stays safe. The office did say that he could come back because weÕve been taking him to this facility for five years. It may have just been because this was his first time seeing this specific doctor. I am embarrassed about the bite. Do you think I should switch to a different clinic? -- Bad Dog
DEAR BAD DOG: Find out if you can avoid seeing that doctor in the future. Something about her freaked out your dog. You can also ask about precautions in the future for your dog during procedures. Watch your dog closely to see if there are signs of any lingering behavioral changes. It could just be that doctor.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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