Marlborough Magazine September 2018 | Page 18

18 Q & A LIFESTYLE & WELLBEING Q. I’ve just found out that my son has done something that I cannot forgive. He doesn’t know that I know. I am starting to feel that I did not do a good job of raising my children. I am angry and disappointed in him and myself. How can I get this out of my head? JJ A. JJ, perhaps the only way you can get this out of your head is to find a resolution. Can you find a non- confrontational way to talk to your son about this? Until you’ve heard his side of the story, its better to not judge him based on someone else’s version of what happened. You don’t say what the terrible thing he has done is, so I can only advise you to deal with the situation as it seems fit. It may be that he needs your help and guidance. Q. Every diet I try does not work. I either end up gaining weight or staying at the same weight. I am sensible about it and even weight watchers hasn’t helped. A. Sometimes, it’s a hidden thing like hormones or digestion. Talk to a nutritionist about it. And also, educate yourself about how your body works, it may give you the insight you need to figure it out for yourself. Q. Hello Naya. My mother has a baby with her now partner. I’ve been working and living with my partner for 3 years. She seems to think that I owe her for everything she’s done for me as a kid, and that gives her unlimited babysitting rights. I love my little sister but I have a life of my own and if my partner and I chose to stay in a lot, I don’t feel that means I should be ok with babysitting 3 to 4 times a week. She doesn’t pay me, and I don’t want paid, I just don’t want to be taken advantage of. My partner is not happy about this either. Exactly what do I owe my mum? I didn’t ask to be born, nor did I know she was keeping tabs. A. I think that as children you have to live under your parents ruling, until you come of age. If our parents are present, loving, and provide for us, then morally and ethically we will return that with love, respect and gratitude. This isn’t a contract for future recall. No, you do not owe your mother free babysitting or any naya cunningham babysitting. She is living her life by her choices and the consequences are hers to deal with. Same deal for you. Any use of guilt tactics are just manipulation. If you want to help out, that’s up to you, but set the guidelines to suit you. Q. Dear Naya, My hubby of 25 years is a lovely man. Everyone loves him and he has many friendships of good value. He is very handy and likes to fix things. The problem is that he seems to do everything for everyone, except our family. Our house could certainly do with some DIY, the same as everyone else. Except we never make it to the list. I’m losing patience as I see my home falling apart around me. Why can’t he see this? A. Perhaps your hubby has a need to be appreciated and respected by others, and he has found this through his handy deeds. His need to feel important is stronger for people outside of the family circle perhaps because he already has your unconditional love and devotion. In his own way, these deeds could be his therapy as they build his self-esteem. mind and body concepts For further support call to make a confidential appointment with Naya Ph 579 5606 WWW.NAYACUNNINGHAM.COM HAVE A QUESTION FOR OUR LOCAL EXPERT? Email [email protected] or text 0274 262 447. All correspondence is confidential. naya cunningham mind and body therapy RoCS are your handmade jewellery experts REPAIRS REMAKES REMODELLING Working alongside you to create your next treasure! RoCS 238a Queen Street, Richmond, NELSON, 03 544-9293, www.rocs.co.nz NEW N O S A SE S C I R B FA Gorgeous Prints, Linens, Cotton, Silk... AVAILABLE NOW! Come in and be inspired 29 High St, Blenheim . (03) 578 7801 . [email protected] . TheSewingStore.co.nz