A teenager is asking for judgement after refusing to play happy family with her mother who is coping with childhood trauma and the effects of a divorce. The daughter says she is tired of pretending to be a happy family when her mother decides to come over for dinner, and wants to set boundaries. The situation is complicated by the fact that the mother is a medical practitioner and works long hours. The daughter’s decision has upset her father and she is wondering if she is the a**hole. Read on to find out more about this family’s drama.
Strained relationship with overworked, insecure mother due to childhood trauma.
Dealing with emotional manipulation from separated parents growing up
Teen struggles with new reality after parents’ separation
Mom tells teen to be supportive during parents’ separation
Teen feels excluded from mom’s dinner invites, doesn’t reciprocate.
Teen feels burdened playing happy family with separated parents
Teen rejects mother’s attempt at forced reconciliation, seeks authenticity
Teen refuses to pretend happy family with mom after separation
Teen confronts mom on selfishness after parents’ separation.
Teen struggles with parents’ separation and dinner obligation, seeks validation.
When pretending to be a happy family gets exhausting
Teen acknowledges both parents’ flaws in difficult separation situation
Teen opens up about post-parents’ separation struggles in replies
Breaking the cycle: Teen sets boundaries with seeing mom’s therapist
Making the best of a bad situation with barebones apartment
Teen’s unique take on living arrangements amidst parents’ divorce
Teen navigates parents’ separation and mother’s insecurities
Growing up, the poster’s father constantly reminded them and their sister to check on their mother, who suffered from depression and anxiety. Now, with their parents separated, the mother expects the family to play happy every time she decides to drop by for dinner, and the poster is tired of pretending. They refuse to entertain her whims and are now questioning their decision. The situation brings to light the effects of a separation on a family and how it can impact mental health. In this post, we dive into the complexities of familial relationships and the challenges of supporting loved ones through mental health issues. The post also highlights the importance of boundaries and the need for individuals to prioritize their own mental wellbeing. Let’s discuss this post and share our thoughts on how to navigate tough family dynamics.
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Parent demanding child to parent is unacceptable. NTA.
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Neglectful parents force 14yo to fend for herself – NTA ❤️
Support is a two-way street. NTA for standing up.
Prioritizing mental health as a parent
Commenter calls out mom’s victim mentality and enabling behavior.
Don’t let mom have a monopoly on selfish behavior ♀️
Being a child of separated parents is tough. Mental health matters.
Put your mental health first. You don’t owe anyone anything
Divorce is hard enough without being forced to play happy families
Mother’s selfish behavior after separation leaves child in shock
Commenter empathizes with OP’s struggle with their mother’s actions.
Prioritizing your mental health is not selfish.
Children are not emotional support animals ♀️
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Teen stands up to selfish mother, earns NTA judgement
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Childhood trauma takes a toll on mental health. #NTA
Self-centered mom gets what she deserves. You go, OP!
Parental depression and burdening children = unhealthy. NTA.
Commenter empathizes with OP’s situation and calls out parents’ behavior.
Advice for setting boundaries with a needy parent
Protecting emotional well-being: Mom’s selfishness hurts everyone involved
Suggest family therapy to deal with mother’s unhealthy coping mechanisms. ♀️
Seek professional help for family’s separation and well-being
Parenting is a full-time job, not a part-time hobby.
Putting your trauma on kids? Not cool. ♀️ #NTA
Being a parent means putting your children first ↑
OP’s mom expecting too much post separation
Curious about the reason for separation, NTA supports teen’s decision.
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Parents’ responsibility to make kids happy, not other way around.
Commenter takes a clear stance on parents’ separation with NTA
Kids deserve peace too. NTA for setting boundaries with mom.
Taking a stand for what you want and need.
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Commenter supports teen’s decision to not coddle mom.
Validating the daughter’s feelings and recommending family counseling
Don’t be her emotional crutch. NTA
Be selfish sometimes, NTA. Your mom needs to support you
Commenter suggests tough love for estranged mother.
Empathize with the child’s emotions and condemn the parents’ actions
Teen struggles with mom’s selfishness and parents’ separation, NTA.
NTA, mom’s selfishness is damaging her children. She needs therapy.
Choose yourself first! You’re not the a**hole. NTA
Therapy needed all around. NTA for refusing fake happiness ♀️
Reach out to mom’s therapist and express your concern ❤️
Setting boundaries with parents after divorce: a difficult but necessary step
Teen struggles with mom’s selfish behaviour after parents’ separation
Teen stands up for herself and sets boundaries with mom
Teen stands up to unfair family expectations after parents’ separation
Supportive comment suggests therapy and challenges parent’s decisions
Questionable parenting and support for independent youths.
Teen won’t fake happy family. NTA’s reply celebrates self-care.
NTA for refusing to play happy family with absent parents.
User sympathizes with teen and questions parents’ motives for separation.
Standing up to mom’s issues. NTA
Validating the commenter’s feelings and suggesting therapy for the mom
Commenter relates to OP’s struggle with mother’s denial, suggests therapy.
