Dear Clementine

How Do I Handle My Father's Preference for My Son Over My Daughter?

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July 24, 2023 12:03am

15m

In this episode, Clementine unpacks a question around how a misogynistic grandfather relates to his grandchildren.

  • My question relates to my 72 year old dad who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and is now living in residential care. While there would be no point to hold him to account due to his cognitive decline, it's hard to reconcile within myself the blatant preference to male family members that he displays. On my weekly visit with my daughter and son, his excitement to see my son is palpable - while my daughter gets a lukewarm response. During our visit he will often repetitively ask about my brother who rarely visits and didn't provide him any support in the last (hard) 5 years. My daughter notices all this - how do I it to explain it all to her? Do I also have a responsibility to make sure my son knows that he isn't necessarily loved more by his grandfather, its just a product of the patriarchy?

If you have a question for Clementine, send an email to dearclementine@novapodcasts.com.au 

CREDITS 
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott 
Audio Production: Adrian Walton 
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie 

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