Annie’s Mailbox: Niece taking advantage of mom, 82

Dear Annie: I’ve always known that my niece, “Norma,” takes advantage of people, but now I think she’s gone too far.

Norma is a single mom who lives in my mother’s rental. I recently discovered that she has not paid rent for nearly a year. Norma also convinced my mother to shell out $8,000 to have the yard professionally landscaped. My mother is 82 and doesn’t have this kind of money. But Norma has Mom wrapped around her little finger.

This has made me so angry. I work full time from home. I pick up Norma’s daughter from day care and watch her for two hours. I do this for free. If I refuse to continue, I assume she will have to pay someone to do it. I’m thinking of telling her “no more,” but I worry that she’ll get my mother to do it, and Mom can’t handle a toddler.

Should I try to force Norma to find an alternative? – Unwilling Aunt

Dear Aunt: You are under no obligation to continue babysitting for Norma, but it’s likely that she will get your mother to take over. Can anyone convince Norma to stop taking advantage of Mom? Is your mother capable of making these financial decisions on her own? You might discuss with Mom the possibility of moving control of her bank accounts to an unbiased third party, perhaps her attorney or financial adviser. Mom might actually appreciate having this taken out of her hands so she cannot be manipulated by Norma or anyone else.