Grandchildren’s presents are left at grandma’s house

Dear Abby: I raised my kids right as a single mom. I took pride in supporting them and giving them what they needed and wanted.

I have a daughter who lives out of town with her husband and children. I don’t get to see them often, so I love buying them gifts that are waiting for them when they get here. For the kids’ birthdays and holidays, I always have nice gifts for them, too.

For the past few years, my daughter has refused to take any of the gifts home with her, so the toys sit in my spare rooms. She smirks and laughs when someone says something about leaving behind the gifts I buy. She and her husband stay at my house when they visit, so the kids play with their toys then.

I’m hurt by her lack of appreciation and have decided to stop buying anything for the kids on holidays or birthdays. I don’t enjoy giving monetary gifts.

I want to see the kids’ faces when they open a present and play with it. Would it be wrong for me to just stop buying gifts?

Generous Granny in Ohio

Dear Generous Granny: This is something you should discuss with your daughter. Could it be that your grandchildren have so many toys at home that there isn’t room for more?

I’m not sure why your daughter would “smirk and laugh” when “someone” mentions the gifts left behind when your family leaves.

That kind of behavior is rude. But I don’t think children should be punished for something their parent does. To deny them gifts on birthdays and Christmas because of it would be petulant and a mistake.