Dear Abby Grandma raising girls grows tired of mom’s antics

DEAR ABBY » I am raising my two granddaughters and trying to allow their mother, my daughter, to visit with them. My problem is, the entire time she is with us, she stays on her phone or Snapchat. Last weekend, I drove to the place where she resides, and the whole time we were there she ignored the girls. I have a ton of family and friends who say I’m wrong for allowing her to even see the girls, period. I don’t want to be the bad guy when they grow up. Help, Abby.

— For Their Good in Ohio

DEAR FOR THEIR GOOD » Talk with your daughter.

Tell her that if she isn’t prepared to actually spend time with her children, you will stop bringing them, and then follow through. Children aren’t stupid. They know when someone is interested in them and when they are being ignored.

DEAR ABBY » My husband and I are snowbirds and head south for a few sunny months every winter. Our problem is the number of relatives and friends who invite themselves down for a free vacation.

Unless I specifically call and invite you, I am not interested in spending my vacation — which is costing me a pretty penny — making beds, washing towels, cooking much more elaborate meals than my husband and I usually eat and ferrying you around to see the sights. Feel free to rent your own place or stay in a hotel wherever you wish, but please do not include us in your plans. Thank you, Abby, for letting me get that off my chest!

— Answer is No

DEAR ANSWER » This is something you should express to each of the friends and relatives who think they can continue to impose upon you.