# Parents Can No Longer Afford Family Free Ride

> Retired parents say they can no longer fund family activities after decades of financial support.
- Title: Parents Can No Longer Afford Family Free Ride | Shortify
- Summary: Retired parents say they can no longer fund family activities after decades of financial support.
- Keywords: michigan, retired parents, family activities, financial support, children, grandchildren, gifts, acknowledgment, family expenses, generosity, Chicago Sun-Times
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/dear-abby/2026/11/06/dearabby-today-dear-abby-parents-can-no-longer-afford-family-members-free-ride
- Published: 2026-11-06T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michigan, retired parents, family activities, financial support, children, grandchildren, gifts, acknowledgment, family expenses, generosity, news, local
## Retired Parents' Financial Shift
Retired parents in Michigan say they can no longer afford to fund family activities after 30 years of financial support.
## Children's Lack of Acknowledgment
Children rarely acknowledge gifts, with only one sending a card on special occasions and five others failing to respond with thanks.
## Grandchildren's Behavior
Most grandchildren never acknowledge birthday cards or checks, showing similar neglect patterns.
## Parents' Decision to Stop
Parents decide to stop participating in family activities to avoid financial strain and maintain their adjusted means.
## Parents' Generosity and Concern
Parents feel they have been taken advantage of despite their natural generosity and long-term financial support.
## Suggested Conversation
Parents are urged to have a family conference about their new financial reality before blaming children for unmet expectations.
## Parents' Feelings on Unacknowledged Gifts
Parents report feeling hurt when gifts are not acknowledged, especially on special occasions.
## Key takeaway

Retired parents in Michigan stop funding family events after 30 years of financial support, as children fail to acknowledge gifts.