Our adult son wants to pack up his life and travel – but wants me and his dad to fund it

DEAR DEIDRE: OUR son is keen to pack up the life he has here to travel, but he wants me and his dad to fund it.

He’s 26 and has had a lot of issues with his health, and he is in a job he dislikes. I’m his mum and I’m 49. His dad is 51.

Our son broke his shoulder in a cycling accident. He’s been in a lot of pain and it’s made him depressed.

He was dreading going back to work and, although he did return, he found the strain of physical building really painful.

He phoned us last week asking if we would help him go abroad for a while, but we aren’t made of money – and I know if I give him the cash, we won’t see it again.

Also, when he comes home, he’ll expect to move back in with us – something neither of us wants as he doesn’t get on with the other three children, who are all younger. I can’t sleep with the worry of it all.

DEIDRE SAYS: He is a man who is now responsible for his own future and, although you want to be there for him after his accident, it may be better all round if you support him emotionally.

Explain that you aren’t able to assist financially, but offer to help devise a budget plan so he can save for his trip.

He could also talk to his employers about keeping his job open or getting a sabbatical.

My support pack, Family Finances, will help.