Dear Dorothy: My adulthood ‘children’ are dependent on me

Dear Dorothy,

My adult “children” are always asking for money. It could be a new phone or holiday. They also come to me for everyday living expenses like car repairs and new boilers. I’m sick of being lent on. I’ve just discovered that my daughter is flying out to visit an old friend abroad, yet she still owes me thousands from old loans. When are they ever going to take responsibility for their own lives?

Yours Sincerely,

Adam

Dear Adam,

Your grown-up children aren’t stupid; they know that if they beg you for cash for the more boring things in life, then you’ll cough up. Meanwhile, they never deny themselves the luxury items or the treats. Start thinking about your own future.

Work out how much they still owe you and make it clear that you want it all back. Draw up a repayment plan and then declare “no more”. Otherwise you’ll still be giving them pocket money into middle age, while you’re struggling to find money to heat your own home.

Yours Truly,

Dorothy