Jfe _`kj nife^ efk\j

MY son and his pushy wife dream of making their eight-year-old daughter a star.

They want her on the West End stage singing and dancing and earning them a fortune. Somehow this has become my business too.

The problem is that they have grand plans, but no cash. They can’t afford all the classes and costumes my little granddaughter needs to make it to the top.

They’ve started visiting me every Saturday teatime where my granddaughter is forced to “put on a show for Grandma”. This is excruciating for all concerned, as the wee lassie has no discernable talent.

I’m expected to clap and then hand over cash, which I don’t have. How do I stop them manipulating me without causing offence?

JANE SAYS: I urge you to speak to your son and tell him you love your granddaughter but don’t have a bottomless pit of cash to hand out.

Of course, you’ll give her a present on the usual Christmas, birthday and Easter celebrations, but he can’t keep expecting more in between because you just don’t have it.

The little girl can be anything she wants to be, but becoming a singer demands a huge amount of work, plus natural talent.

Don’t allow anyone to take advantage of you or make you feel guilty for looking after number one.Your son needs to realise that his daughter is his responsibility.

Stress that you don’t want this to come between you.