Grandparents' Birthday Promise Hasn't Been Honored
Dear Abby | October 18th, 2025 | Letter 2 of 2
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are in a quandary. Our 12-year-old granddaughter celebrated her birthday earlier this year. It was a big celebration. Her other grandparents gave her a choice of $100 or an overnight stay at a hotel with a pool. She chose the overnight. It has been several months now, with no hotel stay scheduled. Her other grands live full, busy and chaotic lives. Our granddaughter told me she feels hurt, disappointed and a bit angry. We had a good talk, and I feel she now better understands how adults sometimes forget how quickly time passes. In the meantime, my husband and I would like to slip a $100 bill under her pillow and maybe assuage her feelings toward her other grandparents. We need to know if that would be a wise thing to do or if we should let it be. We understand it isn't our problem, but it hurts our hearts to see her let down after patiently waiting for her birthday present. What do you suggest? -- GRANDMA KNOWS BEST.
DEAR GRANDMA: You are lovely people, and I understand your impulse to cover for the other grandparents. That said, I do not think you should do it. Your granddaughter is rightfully disappointed, but she needs to learn that sometimes folks don't follow through on their promises. If she does, it may come as less of a jolt when she's a little older.
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