DEAR HARRIETTE: I am pretty embarrassed by my son's behavior. He has decided he wants to move to Australia because the job hunt has not been going well for him here in the United States. The problem is, he's a compulsive spender and has no money saved up. So what does he do? He starts a fundraiser online! He's also been asking my wife and me for constant contributions.
My son wants to move to Australia on his parents' dime and has no shame trying to collect money from strangers through social media. I just cannot believe how brazen he has gotten. Should my wife and I just pay for a ticket to get him to stop embarrassing the family? We're not necessarily made of money, either. -- Deadbeat Son, Racine, Wisconsin
DEAR DEADBEAT SON: Think this one all the way through. Chances are great that your son will be contacting you from Australia asking you to wire him money. Moving to another country is no guarantee of employment or of some sudden newfound sense of responsibility.
It may be time to step back and tell your son that he has to fend for himself. Don't judge him. Let go of the feelings of embarrassment. Replace them with a reality check. It is time for your son to grow up and handle his business. Stop supporting him financially. Remind him that you love him, but it's time for him to step up.