Dear Auntie Linda, My sister and I have noticed some changes in my mother that make us suspect early dementia, but she is still able to live in her own home. The problem is my brother. He is an alcoholic and has convinced Mother to turn her car and finances over to him. Mother is losing weight and becoming unkempt. I have tried to take her to the doctor, but my brother interferes. He says she is fine and she goes along with him. I don’t think she is incompetent, but she definitely needs someone to look out for her. She is becoming more isolated. My brother is starting to make excuses why my sister and I can’t come over. What do we do? Mama’s Girls
Dear Girls, If you suspect your mother is being neglected or abused, notify her doctor or adult protection for investigation. Auntie Linda
Dear Auntie Linda, My husband and I have four kids who excel in school. We are very proud of them, but there is no way we can help them go to college. We struggle to put food on the table and a roof over our heads. The older two work part-time now to buy their clothes and cover their expenses for school. I wish we could do more, but we are strapped. How will our kids manage? Broke
Dear Broke, It sounds like you are doing a lot right if your kids excel in school and help pay their own way. Encourage them to be active in seeking scholarships. Their industry can pay off there. They can work and get loans. It would be wonderful if everyone had the money to finance a college education, but it is not impossible to manage on their own. Auntie Linda
Nutsrok 
Thanks. , Lafayette
LikeLike
No where does it say a parent is responsible for their children’s higher education. While every parent would love to provide that level of financial support, at the end of the day they are adults by that time and have to accept responsibility for their own future.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree 100%. It’s nice to help if you can, but not obligatory. I put myself through. My parents had four other kids. It never occurred to me I would go any other way. They were struggling to get kids through elementary and high school when I graduated.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was a bit 1/2 and 1/2 with my parents.
My first two years of school I paid for and my last two my parents covered (tuition and board – I worked and covered all my other expenses). I also paid for 100% of my Masters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I paid for all of mine. My parents couldn’t help, but many years later my dad offered to pay me back for my student loans I had already paid. I thanked him but didn’t accept. I am proud to have done it myself.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As you should be! I am shocked when I hear stories of children suing their parents over “financial obligations.” Everyone seems so entitled nowadays, sad really.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are rotters! Mine went on you play, you pay plan. Worked great. They had jobs, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person