DEAR ABBY: My husband and I always gave our two children money whenever they were in a tight spot. Now that I am a widow, money is tight, and I've lost most of my savings in the stock market.
The "children" are now approaching 50 and still ask me to bail them out. (I can hardly pay my own bills.) I know I must put a stop to this, Abby, so please help me find the right words. -- PENNY IN SILVER LAKE, CALIF.
DEAR PENNY: Tell your children you don't want to be a "Hard-Hearted Hannah," but "You Can't Give Them Anything but Love." It's the truth -- so stick by it. It's time for your "children" to change their tune and accept the fact that they are adults and should stand on their own two feet.