Quote Originally Posted by limewave View Post
You know, I don't really know if anything would pacify my dad. My dad doesn't want anything to do with anything unless it benefits him.
K... so if he wants to see the benefits, like MD suggests take the angle of "happy healthy wife"... but take that a step further...

With the benefits of moving and strengthening muscles, she will be healthier, happier, more comfortable...
If she is feeling better;
- she will be sunnier around the house which will make the atmosphere more pleasant for him

- he will not have to listen to her "yelp" from another room if she moves too quickly and hurts herself (my ma-in-law does this often - she has her hip replaced next week) ... no "yelps" due to sudden pain means his fave TV show, or the book he is reading, will not be interrupted

- if she is doing him a favour like fetching a cuppa/beer/whatever for him when is is engrossed in something, she will be quicker and quieter fetching it

- if they garden, she will be able to do more in the garden which will help him meet any of his own deadlines

- does he like to dance? if so, maybe they can do it again, or do it more easily/often because she will feel better (even if its just a waltz around the kitchen table)

Maybe if you can turn her increased mobility and comfort into real benefits for him, he will "let" her go...

I also agree about making a mother/daughter day... but will he still get some of your time too? Maybe he's a tad jealous that you want to spend time with ma, but not with pa?