How do I stop my niece from taking advantage of my brother?
DEAR DEIDRE: HOW do I stop my niece from taking advantage of my brother?
She hasn’t bothered with him for years, but recently moved her entire family into his home, is living rent-free and fleeces him for every penny she can get.
He’s 72, she’s 40 and I am his 65-year-old brother.
Ever since my brother lost his wife a year ago, he has been very low.
I’ve done all I can to support him but he is struggling.
My niece claims she is caring for her dad, but I don’t see any evidence.
I had a bad feeling from the start. She and her two sons, 16 and 17 expect him to pay for everything.
I’ve tried everything to get through to him but, despite all my efforts, he remains completely oblivious.
He keeps saying that he trusts her to pay him back.
I can’t help but worry.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Unfortunately money can often bring out the worst in people.
While it’s understandable that you are worried, ultimately the only person that can solve this problem is your brother.
It may be that he is in denial about his daughter’s intentions, as he is happy to have some company.
While you cannot make him see sense, nor can you protect him from his own mistakes, you can remind him that you’re worried about him.
If it continues, you may just have to accept the situation as it is but be there for him if it all goes wrong.
