SO WORRIED ABOUT VISIT FROM SISTER

Dear Coleen

I’m Australian but have lived in the UK for 10 years with my British husband and our two daughters.

My parents are coming to stay with us for three weeks over Christmas and New Year, which I’m looking forward to.

However, they are also bringing my younger sister, who’s 26 and off the rails. She got into trouble with the police a couple of times – a drink driving offence and she was also arrested after hitting her ex-boyfriend in a pub while drunk.

She doesn’t see him or his crowd any more, and my mum has assured me she’s turned over a new leaf.

But I’m angry about the stress she’s caused our parents.

Also, my daughters, who are six and eight, are quite impressionable and I’d hate them to witness any bad behaviour or arguments.

Any advice?

Coleen says

It sounds like she’s put your mum and dad through a lot, but they’re obviously confident that she’ll behave herself while she’s staying with you, so I think you should be positive and give her the benefit of the doubt.

I guess she’s also far less likely to get into trouble while she’s away from her drinking buddies.

Your parents might also be worried about leaving her at home if anything did happen.

By welcoming her, you’re supporting your parents.

You might actually be pleasantly surprised and it could be a good opportunity for you and your sister to reconnect, and to really find out what she’s been through.

I’m sure if she feels she has the support of her family, it’ll be easier for her to get back on her feet.