Staying Neutral When Family Drama Goes Public

A reader asks how to handle their son and daughter-in-law’s frequent public arguments around their toddler. The therapist explains the couple’s fights often place the parents in a triangle, acting as audience or mediator. Advice: don’t intervene mid-conflict, and in a calm moment acknowledge the tension and ask what you can do to make visits smoother—focusing on your own experience and boundaries rather than trying to fix their marriage; model steadiness and consider suggesting therapy if needed.