Extend generosity to new step-granddaughter

DEAR AMY: I host an annual family reunion for my five children, their spouses and my seven grandchildren. I pay for all expenses, including travel. One of my daughters remarried last year. and her spouse has a teenage daughter who is not a member of their household. They would like to bring her to the family reunion. I have no problem with her coming, but should I be expected to pay for her expenses? They have not offered to pay for her.

--Generous Dad

 DEAR GENEROUS: You should include this new family member in the reunion. You are offering a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to bond and for this teen to get to know her new relatives.

If you can't afford the cost for your step-granddaughter's trip, you should ask your daughter and her husband if they could help foot the bill this year.

You sound like a generous person. It's hard to think of a near stranger as a family member, but she is. I hope you'll extend your generosity in her direction.

DEAR AMY: In response to "Sad Wife," whose husband doesn't want to discuss serious issues, I have a suggestion. My husband also refused to talk about having kids. I finally told him that in the absence of any mutually agreed-upon plan, I would go off the pill in six months. I kept reminding him of my decision and asking if he wanted to talk about it. He never did. Finally, one morning I told him I was off the pill. He finally decided to talk about it - and we decided on a plan together. As soon as talking was more likely to lead to the outcome he wanted than not talking, he found time to discuss the issue. We are still married and have two great kids we both adore. Sometimes, you have to find a way to make the issue as important to him as it is to you.

--Seattle Mom

 DEAR MOM: I agree.