Reader Writes: My ex-husband brought his “girlfriend” of two days to our six-year-old son’s camp award ceremony. I told him I found this inappropriate. He blew me off. My son was very upset to tell me they were “making out” in front of him. I don’t think my son should be exposed to this behavior, nor do I think he needs to be part of their relationship after only days. My ex has only just ended another relationship which produced another child and in which my son was very involved – for a few weeks. I don’t know what to say to get my ex to understand that this is damaging and I don’t know what to say to my son to comfort him. (Letter edited)

Rod Responds: Your concerns are appropriate. He is being most inappropriate. Getting your ex-husband to agree, or even hear you, is probably impossible while he is so overly enthralled with himself. Until he does something illegal or abusive to your son (which one hopes never occurs) you will probably not be able to protect the child from his foolish dad. Reassure the boy of your love without reference to your son’s relationship with his father. As irresponsible as your ex appears to be, remember there was a time when you yourself loved him enough to marry him.