Carolyn Hax: A strikingly petty father poisons the whole family

[conuly]

Dear Carolyn: My nephew was born a year and a half ago. When my father learned my brother and sister-in-law did not name the baby after someone on his side of the family, which they never said they'd do, he broke off all contact with them and their children.

My mother has given up on trying to convince him to change his mind, including suggesting he see a therapist. Now she and I just try to compartmentalize it. I still love my dad, but my suppressed anger over the situation often keeps me awake at night. It hangs in the background every time I visit my parents or my brother.

I'm trying to live my own life and move on, but I still want a relationship with my family.

— The Good Kid

( Petty sounds like an understatement! )