Feeling overwhelmed as an only child

[Tiredandannoyed2023]

I’m struggling at the moment as an only child following my mom having an accident. I’m so torn between trying to support her, balancing the needs of my teen and tween who are wanting to enjoy their summer and also working a demanding, albeit part time, job. It just feels so overwhelming when she has no one else to really rely on. No point to this post other than to moan!!

Hey there,
Hope that you manage to find a balance that works for you. Can you involve the kids at all, it might be a good time to model what family means to you.
Best of luck!

I was going to suggest the teens - good for a few card games and interacting with granny.

Can you ask for a carers assessment from the local council? They will have schemes that can support you. Is your mum in her own home or yours or a care home?

Having a sibling would not necessarily mean you had somebody to share it with. They might have been living 100s of miles away or abroad, or just been completely disinterested.

@Tiredandannoyed2023 I totally understand you feeling like this. I too am an only child. Have an 86 year old mother and I have two adult children one which has additional needs.

My mum had a mini stroke end of March and being the middle generation was tough.

Hope your mum has a quick and full recovery.

From my professional role I know very well that having a sibling doesn’t guarantee you will have support when parents get older, but equally I see many families where the load is shared. It would just be good to have someone to share the mental load with occasionally.

I’ve already approached social services for an assessment. She is in her own home.