DEAR ABBY: I have read your column ever since I immigrated to the United States from Asia in 1990. It has been a very useful tool for me in learning about your culture.
Now I need your help. I am going back to work soon, and it is hard on the kids. They do not want to go to day care after school -- they are 10 and 5 -- but they cannot stay home alone. They still need supervision.
The reason I am going back to work is because we need the money. My husband was laid off after 30 years working at one company. However, he cannot take early retirement because he is still too young.
Should I mention to the kids that we are heading for financial trouble, so that's why they have to go to day care? Please reply ASAP. My husband has found a job, but we need the extra income. -- FAITHFUL READER IN TEXAS
DEAR READER: Tell your children that you love them and are doing what you feel is best for them. However, telling them your family is "headed for financial trouble" might be a burden that is too heavy to place on them. It's enough to say that you have taken the job temporarily because the family "needs the money right now." They will be able to understand that without becoming frightened or insecure.