Q. My children are very lucky in that we have bought them all flats. However, they are now renting out these properties with Airbnb, then coming to stay with us at home, just when we thought they had flown the nest. They are more than welcome at weekends but during the week my ancient husband and I like to have a quiet time. How can we put a stop to this without our much-loved children (all in their thirties) feeling that they are unwelcome in their ‘own’ home?
— Name and address withheld
A. Their entitlement syndrome is certainly a tribute to your parenting, but for their sake you must nip it in the bud or risk their suffering from infantilisation. Jolt them out of their territorial — but not emotional — complacency, by announcing in excited tones that you’ve been inspired by their Airbnb adventures to look at ways of using your house to boost your income.
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