My brother rang to say that our elderly parents were at loggerheads—but it was his proposed solution that truly stunned me.

Jane is sixty now. Shes got two kids and shares a small two-bedroom flat with her husband, though honestly, shares isnt quite the right word. Shes really just tolerated him for years. Hes impossiblefull of himself, terribly stubborn, and always needs everything to go his way. Its been Janes lot in life to just keep the peace.

Their daughter, Sophie, has been married to Will for twelve years. They took out a mortgage ages ago, and it’s good theyre finally getting on top of it. Every Christmas or work bonus goes straight towards paying it off.

Both Sophie and Will work, manage all the bills, dress their children nicely, and do their best on the parenting front. Sophies brother, George, is much better off. Hes got a couple of flats in London and a cottage in the Cotswolds.

One day, George rings up Sophie: Mums decided she wants a divorce, and Dads agreed. Theyve already sold the flat and split the money. Ive told Dad he can move into one of my places, and as for Mum, youll be looking after her, says George as if hes just passing the salt.

Sophies taken aback: Wheres she going to stay, George? You know our place is tinyweve got the kids and only two bedrooms. Shed have to sleep on the sofa!

George is having none of it: Why is that my problem? You cant just leave Mum out in the cold.

Sophie sighs, exasperated: Will isnt going to be keen on this, either.

Thats for you two to sort, says George, and hangs up.

Hes already sorted somewhere for their dadone of his spare flats. No chance hed move Dad in with Sophie and Will. Meanwhile, Sophie starts to think about getting another mortgage for her mum. To her surprise, the bank agrees. The flat goes under Sophies name, and the deposit comes from the money Mum got from selling the old place. But now Sophie needs to pick up more work just to make those monthly payments. Wills not entirely accepting of the whole arrangementits a real strain on him. Sometimes hell go around the house with a face like thunder, muttering that people their parents age shouldnt be splitting up. Its the kids that end up carrying the load, he says.

Honestly, its hard to knowdo you think Wills got a point?