Teen Yells at Struggling Dad to Go to Food Bank, but Is It Justified?

A 17-year-old girl has taken on the responsibility of taking care of her three younger siblings, paying for bills and healthcare, and even dropping out of high school to work as a nanny. Despite working two minimum-wage jobs, her struggling dad has refused to accept help from food banks or financial aid. When the girl suggested it, she was met with resistance and told her dad to ‘swallow his pride and go to a food bank’. The argument has caused a rift between them, but who’s in the wrong? Read on to find out.

Abandoned by mom, teen takes care of siblings alone.

Struggling family seeks help after business shutdown, sparks debate.

Balancing school, work, and family at 18.

The burden of healthcare expenses for a struggling family.

Struggling teen urges dad to use financial aid and food banks.

Struggling family relies on leftovers for somewhat healthy meals

Struggling teen urges dad to consider food banks for survival

Was the teen right to yell at struggling dad?

Teen urges dad to visit food bank, sparks debate on parenting

Dad finally sees the light about visiting food bank

Determined teen shares education plans despite criticism.

Teen demands dad go to food bank, but is it justified?

A 17-year-old girl took to Reddit to ask if she was in the wrong for yelling at her dad to go to a food bank. The girl’s mom left shortly after her little sister was born, leaving her dad to raise her and her two siblings on his own. Her dad’s small business went under a few months ago due to the COVID-19 shutdowns, and he has been struggling to find a job to support his family ever since. The girl ended up dropping out of high school to take care of her siblings and got a job as a nanny that allows her to bring her siblings to work. Despite her job, the family is still struggling financially, and the girl believes that they qualify for financial aid and food stamps. However, when she brought up the idea of going to a food bank, her dad refused and said he doesn’t need help. This led to a heated argument between the two, and the girl is now asking if she was wrong for yelling at her dad. Read on for the community’s reactions and advice on how to handle the situation.

Father’s pride obstructs family’s welfare, commenters offer assistance resources

Teen urges dad to go to food bank for sick sibling

Teen puts her future on hold to support struggling family ❤️

NTA, but dad needs to register for SNAP and food banks

Commenters share personal experiences with receiving government aid during tough times.

Empathetic comment thread highlights options for struggling families.

NTA comment on dad’s lack of responsibility, with supportive reply.

Daughter calls out dad’s pride for not going to food bank

Commenter advocates for diabetic teen’s health with empathy

Helpful advice for struggling family’s healthcare and food needs

17-year-old becomes breadwinner for family, faces tough choices. NTA.

Encouraging support in tough times

NTA helps struggling dad, but brother’s diabetes adds urgency

Persuading struggling dad to view government aid as tax refund

User suggests USPS as job option for struggling dad

Volunteer’s passion for food bank inspires commenter to take action

Breaking the stigma around social programs

Parent’s pride shouldn’t compromise children’s basic necessities. NTA

Formerly food-insecure commenter advises struggling dad to use food bank

Commenters agree that tough times don’t make anyone an a**hole.

Struggling family needs food bank, commenter supports swallowing pride.

Support struggles continue with absent parent

Navigating food insecurity and family stress with empathy and communication

Explore state programs for childcare and medical coverage for your family ‍ ‍

Encouraging support for struggling teenager dealing with absent mother.

Commenter challenges dad’s privilege in accessing food stamps

System failure acknowledged: Commenter supports teen’s suggestion for food bank.

Teen advocates for siblings’ health, suggests calm talk about assistance.

Heartbreaking struggle of a hardworking parent disrespected by child.

Going to a food bank is tough, but necessary for survival.

Not the a**hole, but why? Tell us your story

Commenter blames American government and big businesses for family’s struggles.

Teen rightfully suggests dad visit food bank

Being poor shouldn’t be a source of shame, prioritize your kids

Consider Job Corps for free trade school training and job placement

Supporting social safety nets benefits everyone in the long-term.

Supportive comment urges self-care and action for struggling parent

Empathetic commenter supports teen’s call for dad to use food bank ❤️

Encourage dad to use tax-funded SNAP program and not feel ashamed

Share the grocery expenses, share the grocery choices

Take what’s yours!

Empathetic comment encourages humbling self-care with a helping hand.

Suggests ways to get more help and offers support

Importance of good and healthy diet for body and brain development

Supporting the local food bank is crucial. Glad dad’s applying!

Suggest a solution: Plant a vegetable garden for healthy meals

Commenter sympathizes with struggling dad and criticizes absent mom.

“NTA- Dad should take the assistance he’s paid for “

Breaking the stigma of financial struggle and accepting help

Empowering response to food bank suggestion

Self-care is crucial, especially for those with UC! ✨

Support for struggling dad and hope for better future.

Daughter encourages dad to seek help from food bank. #SupportSystem

Putting pride aside during a pandemic.

A helpful suggestion for healthcare coverage

Putting family first

Commenter urges struggling dad to seek Medicaid for diabetic son.

Supportive comment section offers hope and encouragement

Empathetic comment praises brave teenager for supporting her family.

Helpful suggestion on accessing foodbank without shaming struggling dad.

Respect for dad’s difficult decision to apply for benefits

Overcoming financial stress is tough, but pride shouldn’t stop help

Encouraging comment on overcoming shame in getting social services

Teen pushes dad to go to food bank, proud of outcome ❤️

Empowering response from comment and helpful reply from OP

Free school meals available in the US, NTA for OP.