DEAR ABBY: I am a single mother of a 12-year-old boy. Three or four of his friends are constantly over at our house, and I feel obligated to feed and/or entertain them. Their parents don't send money for their meals and often don't even call to check on them, so they are left spending the night here.
I don't mind the boys staying with us, but I don't think I should be expected to pay for their food and fun or feel guilty if my son and I eat and they don't. Any suggestions? -- SINGLE MOM IN THE SOUTH
DEAR SINGLE MOM: Call the boys' parents and have a friendly chat with them. I agree that the current situation isn't fair to you, and because the boys are at your home so often, their parents should be chipping in. Alternatively, start sending the boys home at dinner time.