Dear Doctor Love,
I have a wonderful, intelligent 16-year-old daughter who is a senior in high school. She has always been extremely thin. We have taken her to doctors to address this, and they discovered a vitamin deficiency. They suggested that she eat more nutritious foods and provided some prescribed vitamins. My question is: is it okay to encourage her to eat more after she finishes her meals? She gets full very quickly and doesn’t always take her vitamins. I worry that insisting she eat more might cause her to distance herself from me. /s/ Concerned Mom
Dear Concerned Mom,
Understandably, you want the best for your daughter but encouraging her to eat more after she’s full could inadvertently lead to tension or make her feel pressured about her eating habits. Instead, focus on small, nutrient-dense meals or snacks throughout the day that won’t overwhelm her. Try to incorporate foods she enjoys and make mealtime as stress-free as possible. When it comes to her vitamins, perhaps setting reminders or turning it into a shared habit (like taking yours at the same time) could help. The key is to support her health while maintaining open communication and trust. Let her feel in control of her own progress, and she’ll be more likely to stick with it. /s/ Dr. Love
Dear Doctor Love,
My boyfriend and I share a spacious apartment. Many of our friends still live with family or have multiple roommates due to high rent prices, so they often want to come over—and they do, all the time. While I don’t mind having friends around, it’s turning into an everyday occurrence, and I no longer feel comfortable in what should be my own space. My boyfriend sees no problem with this; he enjoys having people over and even invites them himself after work. I love my boyfriend, but his need to socialize every day is starting to take its toll on me. Despite my attempts to explain how disruptive it is to have so many people coming and going in our space, he doesn’t seem to understand. What should I do in this situation? /s/ Need some space
Dear Need Some Space,
Your home should be a sanctuary, not a constant hub of activity that leaves you feeling unsettled. It sounds like your boyfriend sees things differently, so finding a compromise is key. Sit down and have a calm but firm conversation about setting boundaries for socializing at home. Perhaps agree on specific days for hosting friends and reserve others as quiet, private time. Emphasize that it’s not about rejecting his friends but protecting your shared space and peace of mind. If he’s still resistant, ask him how he’d feel if the situation were reversed. A healthy relationship thrives on mutual understanding, so don’t hesitate to advocate for what you need to feel at home in your own space. /s/ Dr. Love
Dear Doctor Love,
My husband was raised in a family where it was acceptable to send children off with their grandparents for weeks during the holidays. I, on the other hand, was not raised that way. With the Christmas break approaching, he is trying to convince me to send our 6-year-old and 8-year-old to his parents on the mainland for the entire holiday period. He suggests that we could just spend Christmas Day there.
I can’t imagine my kids being away from me for three whole weeks; I think they are far too young for that. However, my husband insists that this is normal and that we should encourage our children to be apart from us. Is this something typical, or am I overthinking it? /s/ Time Away
Dear Time Away,
Every family has its own traditions, and it’s okay to feel uneasy about something that’s outside your comfort zone. Three weeks away from your young children might feel like too much, especially if this is their first extended time apart from you. Consider a compromise: perhaps the kids could visit for a shorter period, such as one week, to ease them—and you—into the idea. This way, they can enjoy bonding with their grandparents while still spending a significant part of the holiday season with you. Communicate your feelings openly with your husband and remind him that parenting decisions should be a team effort that respects both perspectives. /s/ Dr. Love
Doctor Love is the islands, and possibly the world’s greatest authority on just about everything. The Doctor answers questions concerning any subject except religion or politics. Persons needing additional assistance or counseling should contact Family Services Division at 227-7541. The opinions herein are not necessarily of The San Pedro Sun. Write Doctor Love at PO Box 51, San Pedro Town, Belize, or email: [email protected]
