DEAR ABBY: When my children play outside, their friends ask them for snacks and drinks. While I usually encourage them to share, I simply cannot afford to feed all the neighbors' kids in addition to my own four. How do I say no and still set a good example? -- ON A BUDGET IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
DEAR ON A BUDGET: I'm not sure you should say no. Surely, once in a while you can provide something nutritious to the hungry children without bankrupting yourself. A pitcher of lemonade and a bowl of popcorn or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is affordable -- and the "fixings" can be purchased in bulk for little money. I hope you'll reconsider your stance in this matter.