Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (2:41)

And does she sing?

Caller (Concerned Mother) (2:45)

She does but yes she does. She's been in performances where she plays guitar and sings.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (2:50)

Does she write her own Music?

Caller (Concerned Mother) (2:53)

No. Oh. She has dabbled in it, but not frequently.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (2:57)

Okay. All right.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger (2:58)

So go ahead.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (2:59)

She's 13, plays the guitar. Go ahead.

Caller (Concerned Mother) (3:02)

Yes. We have a very close family. We get together most Sundays to share a meal. Aunts and uncles and cousins. And I would normally. My inclination is to just give an open invitation. She does have two older cousins who I objectively are a bit difficult and critical, and she doesn't want them to come. So in the past, I've honored that and am I doing the right thing? So I've just. I've made the decision.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (3:35)

Of course.

Caller (Concerned Mother) (3:35)

Okay.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (3:36)

Of course.

Caller (Concerned Mother) (3:37)

Okay.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (3:37)

If you have family members at your, I think, unhealthily, overly close family who are unkind, why should we have to contend with them?

Caller (Concerned Mother) (3:49)

Yeah. Okay. Okay.

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Caller (Concerned Mother) (6:08)

So I think. Thank you. I think I'll just extend it. I keep it at the ground.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (6:12)

You can't put this imagery of, gee, we're just such a wonderfully close family ahead of protecting your daughter for members in that family who are unkind.

Caller (Concerned Mother) (6:23)

Okay, I thank you. That's. That's great. Thank you for reassuring me that I'm doing the right thing.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (6:32)

Now, I would appreciate if you could tell me how you thought it wasn't or it might not be the right thing. What was your logic for imagining it might not be the right thing?

Caller (Concerned Mother) (6:45)

I think my being weak because I'm worried about the mom who I love. The mom is my sister in law and she would love to come see her perform.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (6:59)

See, this is the thing that I often experience. Let me just share it with you because it confuses me a little. You sound like a very nice person and you sound like a very caring mother. Yet you would consider putting your sister in law, irritated with you, above the psychological, emotional needs of your own daughter. You have in the past. How do you rationalize that? Because you're a good woman and a good mother. So how do you rationalize being more concerned about how somebody will be with you as opposed to your responsibility of protecting your daughter?

Caller (Concerned Mother) (7:47)

Well, I'm proud of myself because I haven't invited them in the past. And so in alignment with what you, what you think is the right thing to do. Yeah, go ahead.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (8:01)

I often hear the opposite. And I sit here thinking, gosh, I bet they would protect their puppy more. Anyway, thank you and no, they should not come. And if your sister in law ever asks you why and say, truth is, they're pretty critical of her and she works hard, she gets up there. You know, it's always nervous making for a kid. The critical stuff afterwards is kind of painful. So that's why the truth, if you're asked, if you're not asked, take it to your grave.

Caller (Concerned Mother) (8:37)

I appreciate that. Thank you so much.

Dr. Laura (Host, Responding to Caller) (8:40)

You're very welcome. My number, 1-800-375-2872.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger (8:49)

If you like this podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform.

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