Dear Housewives,
My husband likes to watch the news while we eat dinner but I think the violent and bad news is not something our kids should hear. What do you think? We have decided to do what you say.
No news is good news in Connecticut
JUNE: Dear News, I think dinner time should be about the family talking to each other about their day and not about catching the news. Much of what is on the news is bad and scary to little kids. You didn't say the age of your kids but I think you should turn off the television and turn on the conversation. Bon appetite.
FLORA: I agree 100% with June. Table time is talking time for any age. I would avoid the news with young ones at all times. They over sensationalize stories and can and will frighten them. TV off. You can go around the table and ask what the best part of the day was.
Dear Housewives,
I hate when people wear shoes in my house. When my mother in -law comes to visit she wears them all the time. I have a baby that crawls on the floor. How can I tactfully ask her to take off the shoes?
got no soul in New England
FLORA: Just say to her "I feel uncomfortable asking you this but, would you mind taking off your shoes when you come over? I can buy you special Grandma Slippers for when you come by or we can shop for a pair together." Having the slippers will make it more special. I hope she respects your request.
JUNE: I too have little ones on the floor and do not like the shoe in the house idea. People, when you are out one day, remember to look down and see what you are standing in. I bet you wouldn't touch the floor when you are out so why bring those germs onto your carpet and floors? Studies have confirmed that we bring in much bacteria on our shoes. Kindly tell your mother in law that you don't want shoes in the house due to the danger to her grandchild. It is a preference like not allowing smoking in your home.
Also, buy some cheap slippers for people to wear around your house.
Dear Housewives,
My hairdresser opened her own shop last year. I was brought up that you do not tip the salon owner. Is that still the case. It costs a fortune for the wash, cut and color and to add 15-20% more is breaking the bank some months.
To Tip or not To Tip, that is the Question
Flora: We must have been brought up in the same family because I was told not to tip the owner too. I would probably tip though. If you feel close enough, ask her if it is customary. June? This is a tough one...
JUNE: I can't believe we got this question because I am having the same issue now. I returned to a hairdresser I went to when she worked somewhere and now she is the owner. I don't tip though. I feel funny because I am used to tipping but that is what I thought the general rule is. Of course, you can tip if you want but I feel they get the profits and make the salary they give themselves whereas the hairdressers that work for them get a low base pay and people make up the difference with tips. I would not tip unless you want to if it is the owner.
JUNE: What is the deal with the whole tipping thing anyway? Why is the consumer on the spot to "help" pay the salary of waiters/waitresses, hairdressers and so on. Why don't the restaurant owners pay the waiters a proper salary and stop letting us help them pay their workers. For a family to go out to dinner it is expensive enough and to add 20% really hurts.
Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact us via email: dearhousewives@live.com All questions are kept confidential. Sincerely, June and Flora
Comments