Swatty McSwattersons

Thanks once again to Dear Abby

Last night I saw my brother-in-law hit my 1-year-old niece. It was horrible. I confronted him, and he and my sister are going to get counseling. He says he "made a mistake," but that he also believes it is "OK to swat a child."

I am so upset. I used to think the world of my brother-in-law, but now he seems like an ignorant bully to me. I am hoping he will learn better parenting, and that everything will turn out all right. I'm around a lot, and the children are seldom alone with him. What can I do while I wait to see if counseling is effective? -- CONCERNED AUNT IN CALIFORNIA

Concerned,

Let your sister know you are there for her. Tell her if she is willing to forgive him as long as he goes to counseling then so are you. Also mention that if things don’t work out or if she worries for her child’s safety then they are all welcome at your place.

If you still feel raw about it poetic justice is only twenty bucks and a crack head away.