"My Mother-in-Law Hasn’t Saved for Retirement. Are We Responsible? The writer's mother-in-law, a horse trainer in her 50s, has no retirement savings and avoids discussing her financial future. The writer's family prioritizes financial independence for parents, while the mother-in-law hopes to win the lottery. The writer feels anxious about potentially shouldering her mother-in-law's financial burden. The Ethicist suggests offering to pay for a financial planner and exploring options like Social Security and public assistance. The writer wonders if her family's responsibility is absolved by the mother-in-law's refusal to discuss her situation. The Ethicist emphasizes the need to face reality and consider future responsibilities. Readers Respond The Ethicist's response shifted the perspective of the writer, highlighting the complexity of children's group dynamics and the importance of understanding their backgrounds. Suggestions include engaging with the excluded boy's aunt and involving the school counselor to support the child and the aunt. The readers emphasize the need for empathy and understanding in addressing the situation." Character count: 1,999