It’s nice to be able to provide for your family, but that doesn’t mean that you want to be fully responsible for them. It can feel good to be able to treat them to a nice holiday gift or a trip every now and again, but only if it’s on your terms. You wouldn’t want them to expect those treats and gifts, otherwise it might start to feel like a burden. But when you set up a pattern of behavior, it can be hard for them not to turn into full-blown expectations. 

When you’re used to being paid for, you might not want to give up that luxury, even though you know you shouldn’t technically depend on it. But that’s a hard lesson to learn, and not one you will learn easily. It’s up to all sides of the party to make sure nobody is being taken advantage of, especially when it comes to family.