Ann Landers


Dear Ann Landers: My husband insists that our 12-year-old son play football. "Jeremy" has played since he was 5 years old, but he doesn't enjoy it. The boy takes karate and boxing lessons and loves those activities. He wants to stop playing football, but every time he mentions it, my husband blows up and calls him a sissy. I'm worn out from trying to get my husband to back off.

Jeremy is our only son. He has four older sisters, which could be the reason my husband is so obsessed with "making a man out of him." My son wants to please his father, but it breaks my heart to see this child so unhappy. What can I do to help? -- An Oklahoma Mom

Dear Mom: Another father trying to relive his youth through his son by turning the boy into something he wishes he could have been. How sad.

I doubt that your husband realizes how much he is hurting the lad by insisting that he play football. Maybe it would help if you asked Jeremy's karate coach and his boxing instructor to tell your husband how well the boy is doing and that those efforts should not be undermined by taking on other sports. Go for it, Mom. Jeremy needs your help.

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