Supporting my little sister

Let her stay

Talk to your sister in private and tell her your concerns. It looks like you two have a very close relationship so you can tell her everything. Maybe it’s better she lives with you so you can keep eye on her, especially if something goes wrong with her boyfriend.

Karmen Reskov

Cut the strings

Your kids’ safety comes first. She is an adult, so cut the apron strings and let her and her boyfriend find their own way, just as you had to.

Cat Delaney

Test her

She needs to stand on her own two feet. I’d say to her that you don’t know her boyfriend well enough to allow him to move in but she could live temporarily with you. She won’t like it, but it’ll test if she and her boyfriend’s relationship is strong enough to withstand a temporary separation, and secondly, prove whether living with you is just the easy option.

Janet Rogers

Set up a caravan

Tell her she can set up a caravan in your yard and pay electricity etc. But think about how long you want them to stay and how it would affect your relationship if you had to kick her out.

Be there for her

I wouldn’t say yes without strict conditions. And, if you say no, make sure she knows you’ll be there to support her if you’re really needed.

Dana Davis

Nothing for free

Tell her that as much as you love her, your children must come first. It wouldn’t be fair on them to have someone in their home that’s a stranger to them. Suggest they both share a place to cut costs. And explain even if they were to move in with you, it’d be on a 50/50 basis sharing bills, food, etc. She appears to think they can live at your expense.

Elizabeth Gough

Helping is good

If she was my sister, I’d say yes, but I’d set some rules. Also explain to your kids and they can learn that it is good to help other people.

Hannah Klein

It’ll cost you

It sounds like you’ve already helped your sister with money and other things. I’d say no to them moving in because you have your kids to worry about and you feel uncomfortable with the boyfriend. Besides, she wants to move in to save money so you’ll end up paying for two more adults. Let them sort out their own problems and not put this burden on you.

Dorothy Davidson

Trust your instincts

The best way to ruin a relationship with friends or family is to live together. If you have even the slightest doubt, you need to trust your instincts. Be honest and explain that you understand why she asked, but you don’t want to lose the relationship you have with her.

Aj Mathews

Expect a tantrum

Your house, your rules. If you don’t want him there that’s your call. Expect a tantrum, but stick to your guns. If she wants to see him, fine, just not at your house.

Nic Lee