A grandfather is seeking advice on how to motivate his grandson, while navigating a dynamic where the young man’s mother appears to be enabling his lack of drive. The situation was detailed in a recent query to R. Eric Thomas, who took over the “Inquire Amy” advice column at The Washington Post this past summer.
The grandfather, whose name was not released, expressed concern that his grandson is drifting without purpose. He fears that his daughter is shielding the young man from the consequences of his inaction, inadvertently reinforcing a pattern of unmotivation. The grandfather wrote that he wants to help, but is unsure how to do so without undermining his daughter’s parental role.
R. Eric Thomas’s column, launched in November 2024, replaced the long-running “Ask Amy” feature. Thomas, according to Washingtonian magazine, now addresses a wide range of reader dilemmas, including complex family dynamics. His response to the grandfather’s letter has not yet been published as of March 1, 2026.
The case echoes broader discussions about the challenges of motivating young adults and the potential pitfalls of over-parenting. While the specifics of this family’s situation remain private, the grandfather’s concerns highlight a common struggle for many families.
The Washington Post published a separate “Asking Eric” column on February 3, 2026, addressing a different reader’s struggle with maintaining motivation in weight loss without the structure of public weigh-ins. This suggests a recurring theme of individuals seeking external guidance to overcome internal obstacles.
