DEAR ABBY: I am 46 and the mother of two adult children, ages 27 and 29. I am on disability because of multiple sclerosis (MS). I am doing well, but I'm weak and tire easily, and it's important that I avoid stress. Both my parents died within the last five years.
My kids know I inherited money from my parents, and they throw it in my face when I don't pay for things for them. My married daughter believes it is my responsibility to provide money for her to go to college. She has been very nasty to me, including vicious name-calling and screaming. Each phone call ends in a request for money. Now she's refusing me access to my grandkids, and even drove to my house to rip their picture from my walls.
Abby, I have been on disability for several years. I need the money to take care of me. What do you think about adult children who hate me for inheriting? I have no intention of giving into the strong-arm tactics of a married woman. -- HURT IN ST. LOUIS
DEAR HURT: Good! Because you shouldn't. Neither of your children has a "right" to a penny of your money -- particularly in light of the fact that you need it for your own support. As to your daughter's outrageous behavior, has she always behaved like this? If so, remember this is the core of her personality. Giving her money won't change it.