Parents, learn to say no
Dear Annie: Our 45-year-old daughter is at the heart of the issue. “Jane” has had a challenging past. She is an intelligent and motivated person, but starting in high school, she began a difficult life (mostly to do with her poor choices in relationships).
She had a son at age 19, got married and then divorced soon after. She floundered for five years or so. After several relationships, she found another man. She gave up custody of her first child, left a full-time job and followed her new man to another country (for a job that didn’t work out). Then she returned to the States, did everything she could to get pregnant again, and succeeded. Shortly thereafter, the relationship ended.
With our help, Jane relocated to another city 150 miles from us. Briefly, she held a good job and was managing well in raising her second son. After three years, she was let go from her job. In the interim, she managed to live on welfare. Four years ago, she announced her intention of returning to college to get her teaching degree. We knew that she’d never be able to work long enough to repay her loans, but we were encouraging and supported her decision.
In the past five years, my wife and I have “spotted” her money, to keep her afloat — approximately $12,000.
Much of it went toward leased automobiles, but there has been more — $100 and $500 here and there for “incidentals.” Fortunately, she will graduate in June. But her student loan funds, which she was using to help pay rent and groceries, have ceased. Her usual summer job is uncertain. Due to the coronavirus, her prospects of a teaching job in her area are also uncertain. She gets by month to month. Last summer, she asked us for funds to help her lease her (new) car. We gave her $4,700. This goes on and on.
Last year, my wife and I retired. And without raiding our savings we cannot afford to support her anymore. June is approaching. I am anticipating Jane will appear with another request for funds. My wife doesn’t handle confrontations well, and much of our giving has been motivated either by avoidance or guilt. Besides just saying no, is there any other answer?
— Jane’s Father
Dear Jane’s Father: Tough love is tough to give. But you and your wife are doing your daughter no favours in the long term. If you keep acting as her financial crutch, she’ll be leaning on you forever. That’s not just immoral; it’s also unsustainable. Deplete your retirement savings, she’ll still be asking for more when there’s nothing left to give. And you’ll be in dire straits.
“Just saying no” is easier said than done; I know. It will be a hard conversation. Your daughter is not going to like it. But do not for one second accept any guilt she tries to lay at your feet. You’ve done nothing to earn that.