Teacher’s wish for kid-free summer should be granted

Jeanne Phillips

Dear Abby: I’m the youngest of four sisters. The oldest sister is the only one who has children — three girls under age 12. I’m a high school teacher who works about 60 hours each week during the school year between teaching, grading, attending meetings, completing paperwork, tutoring and planning lessons.

My second-oldest sister wants to plan a road trip this summer that involves renting an RV and driving cross-country with our nieces to visit Disneyland. She feels that because I have the summer off, I should be happy to go on this trek.

I love my students and nieces, but by the time summer rolls around, the last thing I want to do is spend a week or more in a camper with kids. I told her I have some summer training, which is true, But she hasn’t dropped the subject. I don’t want to do this. What can I tell them? —

Dear Sweating: Disneyland isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s time to tell your sisters the truth. You deserve a child-free summer break if you want one, and that fact should not be regarded as a personal insult to anyone.

Dear Abby: I have worked with a woman for a little more than a year. Her daughter is having a baby. I have never met her daughter, but hear only negative stories about her and her boyfriend, who both live with this co-worker.

I havve received an invitation to this daughter’s baby shower. I was told by another co-worker that we all (seven office people) are invited, although no one has ever met her. I am surprised the woman I work with would do this. Should I feel guilty because I have no desire to go? However, I feel I “should” give a small gift. How would you handle this?

Dear Confused: The daughter and her boyfriend are living with your co-worker because they don’t have enough money to live on their own. It’s fair to assume that they will need things for their baby. I agree that you are put on the spot because of the invitation. But I can understand why she did it.

In the interest of solidarity as well as charity, I would send a small baby gift — or consider a group gift with your co-workers. Send with it your regrets for being unable to attend.