Not sure how to start this, but it bugged me enough that I figured out how to sign up for the forum so I can get some input.
Today I received my first letter ever from my nephew. Yay! I was delighted to open it, expecting to hear all about his life and adventures, and maybe even a picture, or a thank you for a recent visit I had hosted.
But... Today's letter was basically a shakedown for money to sponsor him to go on a school trip in the spring. It said that in lieu of a Christmas present, he would prefer cash to go on the trip.
To put it mildly, I was very disappointed that this was the first letter this kid had ever bothered to write me, and it was a request for money. His parents can well afford to send him on the trip (at least, they earn more than I do-- hard to say how much they save), and in fact the Christmas present is well on its way.
I am disinclined to support this trip. But... I recently sent his older brother a generous college graduation gift. Have I set a precedent by doing so? And... How do I broach this with my sister, who may wonder why I'm not stepping up to the plate?
Lastly, how do I address this with my nephew, in a way that may benefit him in the long term? Or should I just suck it up and write a check?
I know there is a face punch in here somewhere, but dang if I know who to swing at-- maybe me?