How do you deal with someone that's very critical?

31% Normal
10 Comments

Alright so my dad is very critical, he likes things to be done exactly the way he wants. He's the type of person that if you're not doing it the way he thinks you should, he'll make an example and make you watch him. He won't shut up until you watch him and if you act annoyed he'll turn into a five year old and throw a tantrum.

So I have a niece and I'm with my family like 80% of the time. My dad isn't good with kids and he gets extremely impatient and angry whenever dealing with my niece. Personally it pisses me off but I don't express my anger, I just ignore his childish behavior. Well today I was with the two of them and my niece wanted to paint a picture. Well the whole time he kept telling her to be careful or would get frustrated with her when she spilled a drop of water. So my question is how do I deal with him? I seriously feel like his behavior is going to screw up my niece, she's already overly critical of herself because of him. She's five, she should be a kid and have fun and not have to worry about getting yelled at for every tiny mistake.

is it normal for him to act like such a jerk and what can I do to help the situation?

Voting Results
31% Normal
Based on 16 votes (5 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 10 )
  • NeuroNeptunian
    9 years ago

    Keep her away from him and explain that he is a cranky old man. You can tell him what you think but I doubt he cares.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    2
    2
  • VirgilManly
    9 years ago

    Kind of sad because it sounds like he can suck the fun and enjoyment out of anything. I have more than a few relatives like that. They mean well but won't let other people make and learn from their own mistakes. They want to micromanage other peoples lives. Maybe he has to be like that at work? I guess you just gotta tell him to lighten up & back off. Ask him if when his granddaughter is older does he want her to look back and have fond memories of her grandfather or does he want her to remember him as a strict bastard.
    What's more important to him...that your niece make a perfect picture with as little mess as possible, or that she enjoys spending time with grandpa?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
      -
    • Ellenna
      9 years ago

      Good post but I don't accept such people "mean well" - they're control freaks and there are far too many of them in the world.

      If you want to support your niece set an example by not letting him affect you (I know that ain't easy!) - or make a joke about it.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • RoseIsabella
    9 years ago

    Kick the shit out of your dad! Mwahahaha!!! Just kidding, listen to what NeuroNeptunian said.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • VirgilManly
      9 years ago

      You are one sick individual.
      :)

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • RoseIsabella
        9 years ago

        I am what I am.
        ;-)

        I love my father dearly, and I'd probably take a bullet for him, but if he tried to smack me around I wouldn't hesitate to give him an ass kicking.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
  • Short4Words
    9 years ago

    It sounds like your dad is trying to help but at the same time feels like he has something to prove. Maybe try to explain to him that there's a better way.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Ellenna
      9 years ago

      He's not "trying to help" he's trying to control everyone around him

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      1
      1
    • Fall_leaves
      9 years ago

      I think he is but it would be nice if once in awhile he would admit that he doesn't know everything. Just show a little humility.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • Ellenna
        9 years ago

        Yeah well he sounds totally insecure and with very low esteem and he's the only one who can do anything about that, you can only control how you respond to him and get away from home as soon as you can

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0