My manipulative sister is controlling our parents’ inheritance plans

DEAR DEIDRE: MY parents are afraid of my sister. She is so controlling and manipulative.

Her behaviour is becoming more and more of an issue.

I’m her 36-year-old brother, and she’s 39. I’m married with two children, and live a few miles away from my parents, who are in their early 70s.

My sister, who still lives with them, once asked my parents to put the house in her name.

She said she’d give me my inheritance when they died.

She claimed she suggested it to avoid inheritance tax but I was horrified.

I told my parents to refuse as my sister could then kick them out of their home.

Undeterred, my sister continues to try to control everything and play mind games. I’m sure she does it for attention.

She’s a functioning alcoholic who has never been married or had children.

I’m at the end of my tether.

DEIDRE SAYS: Whether it is out of fear or not, your parents are putting up with this and allowing it to happen. If they don’t make a stand, nothing will change.

Your sister is an unhappy woman. It’s painful to watch someone we love struggle, but we cannot solve all their problems for them.

Calmly tell your sister how much you love her and how worried you are about her drinking and volatile behaviour.

Say your parents deserve to live their lives in peace.

Reading my support pack Dealing With A Problem Drinker will help.