Max turned to practical family matters. He clearly placed great value on supporting the choices made by his children.
MAX: Now, Paul, about your house, I don't have to tell you that I live everything through with you, your aspirations, and your, whatever you like, I like it too. Of course how can you not like it, to fix up everything according your dreams, and your aspirations. I'm with you a hundred percent, of course. About the instance you're giving me that you're fixing it up on my assumptions that I told you a word or two, I don't deny it, I told you that and I was, I think, right.
Good advice and support requires knowledge. Acquiring that could be instrusive.
In Max's role as a father, he always had to know everything about everyone, and would "offer" his advice whether or not it was desired. His children's various financial situations were always prime concerns. He was constantly on the lookout for personal problems between spouses, grandchildren, even friends of the family.
In particular, Max's relationship with Paul:
NARRATOR: While Jennie was alive, Max had the habit of haranguing Paul about his future plans. Now he was more circumspect. Perhaps he was recognizing that his children's lives —as well as his own— must continue, and that they be assured of his support.
Or, perhaps, following his loss of his beloved Jennie, Max had adjusted the fine dividing line between useful involvement and intrusion. Must continue. Be assured of his support.