askImperfectionist
advice column ask question view feedback favorite columnist advicenators

Q: Female, 15

Hey, so my parents are divorced, and have been for about 8 years.
My mother doesn't seem ok. She doesn't have a full time job, and hasn't for about 2 years. However, she works at a supermarket about 3-4 times a week for about 4 hrs each time.

She is currently doing an online course, which seems to be taking her about 2 years. She is a bit of a perfectionist, so it takes her a bit longer than expected to submit work in, but she recieves really good marks for her hard work. She studies a lot during the days.

She does most of the house chores, but she has been complaining a lot recently saying that she would like more help with things like vacuum cleaning, washing clothes, packing the dishwasher, etc. I am trying to help now but my brother hasn't really been doing much. The thing is, she seems to be complaining a lot, and I am starting to think that maybe it's something else.

We never seem to go on vacations, or even out for dinner or something. Because we can't really afford to. I want her to do things for herself, she seems to be stressed a lot, with finances and what she's going to do job wise after this course. She seems to be very stressed about this course as well, saying that she'll never get it done and stuff like that. I am worried about her. I asked her if she's ok and she said that she doesn't think she is and then she walked out of the room. She reads a lot about life and how to make the most out of it and love yourself and things like that.

I am worried about her. Is there something I can do to help her? She can be happy, but just recently she seems to be stressed often. I am thinking of getting a part time job and saving up for her to go to a spa resort or something like that. What do you think?
One.) let me say how refreshing it is to here a kid worry about their parent for once instead of focusing on their own drama. Also while mentioning this as a person who grew up parenting her parents remember to not baby your parent.

ANYWAY. Lol. Your mom sounds like she feels stuck and lost. Not to mention she probably doesn't feel like a great mom because when money is tight parents tend to feel a bit broken because they can't give their children the things she wants. Not only that but she is working and going to school which is probably stressing enough as it is.

I love your idea of getting a part time job and the fact that you are trying to help her out more. lET YOUR BROTHER KNOW HE SHOULD TO! Sit him down and explain to him, straight up that he needs to help out a bit more. Don't sound naggy or pushy. Just let him know you can tell your mom is going through a tough time and you are honestly worried about her and need his help.

I love the spa idea or even save up to send her to get a haircut or her nails done. Something as small as a haircut or a fresh manicure can make someone feel great.

Just try to be there for her, obviously not as a friend, but her daughter. Let her know you love her at random times and just show her as much appreciation and gratitude as you can.

Thank you!! This really helped.

bio
Imperfectionist
Hi, thanks for coming to my column.

The name is Diamond but Dia is fine.

20, female, jersey girl at heart. mixed race taurus natured woman.

So...the reason I made this was during the start of my senior year of high school I had reached a point in my life where I didn't want to live anymore. I was tired of fighting and didn't see the reasons to fight. It was a random stranger that made me realize I would be stupid to take my life and to stop fighting.

So if you think I'm going to tell you life gets easier, I'm not. Let's face it, it doesn't get easier. Through pain you get stronger and learn to open your eyes to those things that give you strength to live.

Mine happen to be music, writing, dr. pepper, anime, the color black, the way rain sounds, and an amazing boyfriend. What gives you strength to live?

Info
Website:
Gender:
Female

Location:
Jersey

Age:
20

Member Since:
March 18, 2012

Answers:
327

Last Update:
July 8, 2016

Visitors:
15898

Main Categories:







layout by Adam Particka

<<< Previous Advice Column
Next Advice Column >>>
humorist-workshop

eXTReMe Tracker