Raising kids while caring for aging parents is pushing many families to the limit. Between school drop\u2011offs, work, and emergencies, stress is mounting\u2014often with no help or pay. Burnout is prompting tough discussions about what \u201cfamily support\u201d really means.<\/p>\n
One reader, Nancy, shared why she wouldn\u2019t care for her mother without compensation:<\/p>\n
Nancy\u2019s letter<\/strong> Her response: \u201cI\u2019m your mom\u2014you owe me!\u201d<\/p>\n That night, my oldest son called hysterical: a nursing home van was taking her away\u2014and a moving truck had cleared out half the house. She\u2019d even taken my baby\u2019s crib, claiming it was her gift. She said I was \u201cthrowing her away\u201d because I couldn\u2019t care for her.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not a nurse\u2014I\u2019m already overwhelmed. I can\u2019t bear the physical, emotional, or financial burden alone. I love my mom, but love doesn\u2019t pay bills or relieve stress. Nothing in life is free.<\/p>\n Am I wrong to ask her to help financially?<\/strong> \u2014\u202fNancy<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nI\u2019m a 35\u2011year\u2011old single mom of three (ages 7, 3, and 6 months). My 74\u2011year\u2011old mother lives with us rent\u2011free and used to help\u2014until a serious fall left her inactive. She didn\u2019t want a nursing home, so I offered home care\u2014but only if she paid me for my time and effort.<\/p>\n