DEAR ABBY: I have a 15-year-old next-door neighbor who loves to come to my house and visit when my preschool-age grandchildren are here. She always overstays her welcome, staying past the girls' bedtimes.
I know the girl is lonely and doesn't have many friends, but I want some private family time with my grandchildren. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but it is starting to interfere with my visits with my grandchildren. Please help. -- GRRR-ANDMA IN TERRE HAUTE
DEAR GRRR-ANDMA: I feel sorry for your lonely neighbor, who not only doesn't have many friends, but may also not have a grandmother in her life. Your relationship with your granddaughters may be the only taste she has of what this special, loving bond is like.
I don't think you should cut her off completely. However, it is important that you have a private chat with the girl and explain that you would prefer she limit her visits to once a week (or two) because your grandchildren need alone time with you.