Dear Amy: My father-in-law is a sex offender who abused his own daughters when they were children. He spent my husband’s middle school and high school years in prison.
I spent time in this home when dating my husband. His father and I never had any problems, but ultimately, I made the decision that I would not be involved with his parents after they continuously disrespected boundaries of mine.
I have not dictated to my husband regarding him having a relationship with them, and don’t have any interest in doing so.
My problem is, we have young children — a 4-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.
As our daughter has grown, I’ve become very worried about my judgment in ever letting our children spend time at their grandparents’ house.
No one will talk about the abuse that took place, and it’s almost as if it never happened.
What should I do?
— Worried Wife
Dear Worried: Imagine this: You won’t walk across the railroad tracks on a blind curve.
Instead, you send your young children scampering across — with no knowledge or information, no empowering education and no ability to discern about any possible dangers.
Please, never subject your children to a situation you aren’t willing to face yourself. You should either be brave enough to be with them, or you should make sure their father is empowered and vigilant.
