I am trying to reconcile my feelings of not “punishing” the baby while not “encouraging” the parents’ current pattern of behavior.
DEAR ERIC: My adult nephew and his girlfriend recently had a child. They are both in their mid-30s and neither has gainful employment. My nephew has also struggled with mental health issues. His mother passed away several years ago, so his remaining family system consists of grandparents, aunts and uncles.
One part of the family says we need to help the baby now, not years from now. How do I get over my anger and frustration at the new parents not demonstrating either basic parenting skills or basic adult behavior?DEAR RAISING: Decide if you’re more interested in giving a gift or a lesson. What you’ve offered is generous, but a 529 account can seem like a cold comfort when one is struggling to buy formula or diapers.
Maybe you’re all doing everything you can, to no avail. But attaching strings to your money is just going to cause you more frustration.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asking Eric: My family keeps asking about my financial situationAfter needing family support through financial struggles, this letter writer is tired of the questions about their situation now.
Read more »
Asking Eric: My parents won’t stop asking me about my financesAdvice from R. Eric Thomas.
Read more »
Asking Eric: A relative cut us off after a death in our familyIn today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to a disagreement between relatives.
Read more »
Asking Eric: I’ve become a mother to my young granddaughter, which makes me angryHow do I overcome my resentment for my daughter?
Read more »
Asking Eric: My late ex-wife’s will makes things tough for my new wifeI intend to see that my wife has the financial stability to live comfortably the remainder of her life.
Read more »
Asking Eric: My husband won’t use the memory tools, and it makes me anxiousPlus: How will I get by without Amy Dickinson?
Read more »