Caretaker Sister Wants Out: Abandonment or Desperate Need for Freedom?

Imagine being only 25 and having spent nearly a decade raising your younger siblings as your own children. That’s the reality for one young woman who finds herself at a crossroads. After their father died and their mother spiraled into addiction, she stepped up to provide a stable home for her brother and sister. Now, with a new fiancé and the prospect of starting her own family, she’s struggling with the decision to pass the torch back to her now-sober mother. But is she being selfish, or does she deserve a chance at her own life? Let’s dive into her story.

Becoming a Mom at 16

Homeless and Struggling

Stepping Up for Her Siblings

Mom’s Shiny New Life

No Financial Support

Court and CPS Fears

A New Chapter: Engagement

The Dilemma: Space and School

Fiancé Offers Solutions

Desire for a Fresh Start

Grandma’s Disapproval

Fear and Love

Sister’s Reluctance

Grandma’s Verdict

Choosing Between Siblings and a New Life

Our protagonist has spent years sacrificing her own life to care for her siblings. Now, with a chance at happiness and a new family, she’s torn between her responsibilities and her own desires. Her grandmother accuses her of being selfish, but is she really? After all, she’s given up so much already. It’s a heartbreaking dilemma, and one that’s sure to spark debate. Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…

NTA for wanting freedom from abusive parentification. Siblings need support.

NTA but abandoning traumatized siblings may have long-term consequences. Seek legal and emotional advice.

OP is exhausted from raising siblings but cannot abandon them.

Caretaker sister struggles with parentification and needs legal intervention

Plan for siblings to move out, but get official custody first.

NTA, but leaving the kids may have long-term effects

Empathetic comment supporting abuse victim’s decision to seek freedom ❤️

NTA. Commenter takes a stand for caretaker sister’s freedom

Teen caretaker deserves support, CPS and court intervention suggested

Lose-lose situation: either abandon kids or put them in danger.

Commenter defends caretaker sister from being compared to abusive mother.

OP is struggling with caretaker fatigue and deserves empathy and support

Heartbreaking comment raises questions about family’s responsibility

Taking charge of your life: NTA but consider the impact.

NTA for wanting out of caretaker role, grandma should step up

NTA, but morally obligated to find a compassionate solution

NTA for feeling the way you do, but ESH depending on how you handle the situation. Consider therapy and alternative options for your siblings’ safety.

Sister wants support, not abandonment, in caring for siblings.

Commenter advises caution and legal action in caretaker situation.

NTA for wanting your own life after being an adult too soon. Can grandma help out?

Fight for your rights! Get legal aid for child support.

Valid to want out, but don’t abandon them with unsafe mom.

NTA for wanting to start your life, but involve CPS first

Abandoning siblings makes you an ESH, not a hero

Encouraging comment on seeking legal and financial help for guardianship.

Heartbreaking dilemma: caretaker sister wants freedom but fears abandonment of siblings.

Caretaker sister wants to leave, but would it make her TA?

Compassionate NTA wants to help without enabling homelessness

Grandma and mom are TA for not contributing to caretaking.

Call CPS to help abused siblings. YTA if you don’t.

NTA. Caretaker sister criticizes but didn’t take responsibility. Legal procedures?

Abandonment or freedom? ESH. No winners, just poor kiddos

NTA but dropping them off might hurt your relationship with them

NTA. Sacrificed greatly for family. Get a lawyer for support.

Leaving siblings behind for freedom: heartbreaking but justified decision.

Sibling conflict and wedding woes amidst tough caretaker situation

Commenter sympathizes with burnt-out caretaker sister.

Heartfelt comment expressing empathy and concern for OP’s situation.

Put yourself first for a while Your brother is old enough.

NTA comment receives no replies, simple and straightforward.

Grandma should lend a hand

NTA for wanting to abandon your siblings. But try to see this from your siblings’ perspective, too.

Commenter empathizes but advises against abandoning siblings, YTA.

Selfless caretaker sister finally prioritizes her own well-being. #NTA

Difficult decision to send siblings to their mom, ESH situation.

Leaving without arranging care is wrong. NTA for wanting out

NTA. Contact CPS for support and find a therapist. Best luck

Commenter sympathizes with caretaker sister and blames family for failures.

NTA for wanting freedom, but seek professional help for next steps. ‍

Balancing concern for sister’s safety with caretaker’s need for freedom.

NAH comment receives support and clarification from a reply.