Dear Annie:

I am in my early 30s with a small child. I recently went through some hard times and moved back home with my parents. I have never asked my parents for money. I work two jobs and have put a little away in savings. I'd like to take a small vacation. The only major expense would be the airfare, and I have enough for that.

My parents are completely against the trip. They feel I would not be able to afford the airfare if they hadn't been helping me for the last few months. I agree, but on the other hand, I need a little time with friends to relax and just have a good time. I'm an adult. Can my parents still treat me as a child? － Tired in OmahaDear Tired:

When adult children live at home, parents are prone to treat them as children. Your parents want you to save enough to have your own place and need to know their efforts to help you are not being frittered away on less-than-necessary things. They also may not want to baby-sit for your child while you are away, in which case you should make other arrangements. Thank your parents for their concern and say you need a break from your two-job routine so you can come back refreshed and productive.

hard times   缺钱；遇到瓶颈savings  (n.)   存款；储蓄expense  (n.)   支出；费用airfare  (n.)   搭飞机的费用to afford  (v.)   付得起；负担得起on the other hand   然而；另一方面来说to be prone to   易于；有…的倾向to fritter away   浪费；消耗to baby-sit   充当临时保姆；照顾小孩productive  (adj.)   有生产力的；多产的