Daughter strikes blow to divorcing parents’ wallets

Q: My daughter, 24, lives on her own. My son is 18. When they were very young, I set up a trust account for each of them. I’d deposit any extra money we had into their account evenly.

I didn’t realize that the money in the trust accounts was irrevocable.

While my daughter was living at home, or away at university, we paid for everything including her studies, books, accommodations and living expenses.

The trust accounts now hold a significant sum, including my mother’s inheritance.

Several years ago, my husband and I separated.

We’re currently sorting out our matrimonial assets with a lawyer’s help.

We have modest savings but the majority had been deposited into our children’s trust accounts.

Back then, we were financially stable.

Our financial needs have now drastically changed due to the impending divorce.

We desperately need both children to give us the money in their trust accounts. My son agreed, my daughter refuses.

I explained that we’re divorcing and need her money to meet our financial obligations. She doesn’t care. It’s caused me, not my ex-husband, to be estranged from her. I love her, miss having a relationship with her and am heartbroken that she’s unwilling to help us out when it’s needed.

My mother’s also heartbroken and no longer has a relationship with her. Is my request to have her return the trust money inappropriate? How do I get past this and forgive her?

No Payback

A: This standoff is a relationship issue at its core. Your daughter’s estrangement from you, not your husband, speaks volumes she doesn’t want to discuss. Instead, she’s punishing you.

Only you know why, though I suspect she may be unfairly blaming you for the divorce. But, since both parents need the financial stalemate ended, your husband must join you as a partner, to move her to resolve it.

Divorcing couples can benefit from therapy about family issues, as opposed to seeking marital advice. This can be done online and through a minimum of sessions.

You both also need clear financial and legal advice solely regarding the trust fund and your options, if any.

Q: I’m close to family members with two children under age seven.

They’re very conscientious about not allowing the children sugar or processed foods, nor to watch scary movies or commercial television.

Yet they’re very permissive, e.g., not enforcing their own guidelines, and allowing very bad behaviour without consequences, etc.

They say that they’re home-schooling the children, yet no schooling is apparent. The children just do puzzles and are read stories.

Most family members except me have shut them out because visits are chaotic due to the screaming and tantrums.

The younger child is especially angry, and lashes out. The parents make excuses and never get him to be accountable.

As the only relative staying regularly connected, I feel compassion, but it’s getting harder. I want to start a dialogue about their parenting style not working. But I don’t want to appear judgmental or wound them.

Concerned Auntie

A: You will be judgmental, so accept that and explain why. Express love for them all and say your only goal is for the children to be well-adjusted for their age. Show respect for their good intentions and remind them that home-schooled children still need to get along with their peers. Otherwise, rejection can isolate them from normal experiences of childhood and beyond.

The parents will likely be hurt, angry and reject your advice completely. But they’ll have heard you.

Ellie’s tip of the day

If you can recommend particular books and approaches on currently raising well-adjusted youngsters, send in your suggestions.

Ellie Tesher