How to deal with a real life troll (when it's your parent)

[Shadyadie]

I don't see my Mum and Dad very often as they tend to stay in Spain alot as my Mum is ill and the warmer climate helps (plus it's cheaper for them to live over there)
But when they do come and visit my Dad is, and always has been a real life troll he will go from subject to subject till he finds one that is disagreed with and quote made up figure's/facts to back himself up and have a blazing argument and then say "I don't know why your being like that"

He was the same with his Dad and my 2 sisters, but won't have it, when you try and point that out.

It's getting to the point where I dread there visits and now very rarely go and visit them, but I really miss spending time with my Mum.

My sister refused to see them for over 2 years, but according to my Dad she was just being silly.

He is about the only person I every argue with, cause he won't let up or let you change the subject once he has started, and my Mum just looks on with a sad expression cause she know it will be even longer before I see them again.

Yet on Skype he is ok (as he know I will just hang up)

[dieselboy]

Sounds like it may be his way of maintaining the conversation? You should try to make light of it if you can. May be laugh along with him in a jokingly, non patronising way if possible.. It's what I would do.

Unless he is of course a real Alf Garnet then it's either funny or the opposite

[slobodan]

Don't mess about, do him! use a bat or tie him up and electrocute him.

Or spike him up with some hash cakes. then drop him off at a motorway services.

You probably won't be left anything in the will though.

[shokenore]

Tell him that you are adopted.

[Albannach]

Tell him he's adopted (then correct all your spelling mistakes, lest I start on you too )

[KERRSURF]

Invite your Mum to stay and tell him to stay at home. He'll get the message that his behaviour isn't welcome in your home, then it's up to him to mend his ways.

[Shadyadie]

good idea, but he would never allow my Mum to come on her own.

[KERRSURF]

control freak huh? well you just have to have it out with him, he's making things miserable for everyone.

[gwh200]

Just let him know he's not welcome. ..but let him know when he gets there. Then you can concentrate solely on your Ma, and roundly ignore him.

It's unfortunate, but his behaviour has probably been enabled (read. condoned), by your Ma. Until she stands up against him this will continue.

I wish you the best of luck with this.

[slobodan]

but he would never allow my Mum to come on her own.

Give her me number then.