Thinking about my parents and I'm thinking they weren't that great, mostly my dad. I was fed and had a roof over my head, I wasn't physically abused or anything. They weren't alcoholics or drug addicts. So want other peoples opinions.
I feel that my parents, especially my dad were not that interested in me growing. They never checked I was doing my homework, and I don't ever remember them helping me with my homework. They never pushed me to do any extra curriculum activities and because I was quite lazy as a child/ teenager I spent most of my free time playing computer games and watching TV. I regret not learning to play an instrument. I remember one summer when I was a young teenager and I spent alot of the time, whole days, in my room playing computer games in my pyjamas and my parents were not concerned. They weren't bothered if I did A levels let alone go to university (they did drive me to university and let me stay at their house rent free during the summer holidays). They also didn't take much of an interest in the things I was interested in. I remember my dad saying some of my interests were "weird". I remember my dad would put me down with snide jokey comments when I was young. He is a very childish man and would yell over the tiniest of things, especially at my mum. My dad will take offence and sulk over the smallest things. He is also always right and never admits if he is wrong or says sorry. He also uses emotional blackmail, like if fathers day card is late he will say something like "you don't love me". I feel sorry for my mum that she has to put up with him, she is very passive with my dad's behaviour. I remember one thing he said "no one ever helped me so why should I help you". I don't remember the context of conversation but I still remember him saying that over 15 years ago and it still stings thinking about it. I wasn't allowed friends over to the house ever because the said they were embarrassed the house was a mess. My best friend from primary school after drifting apart because I moved school visited my house when I was in secondary school after years of not seeing each other but my dad told me to tell her to go because she isn't allowed in the house. I still feel bad when I think about that, she had travelled across town with her friend! They would also both complain to me about each other. They still do. Like my dad complains to me about my mum saying he would pay most of the bills and the house is still a mess. I also lent my parents some money (about 2000 pounds) that I had earned with summer jobs whilst I was a student living on very little myself. They still haven't paid me it all back (was about 12 years ago now).
Thanks for reading