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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Why does my Mother not care anymore?

17 replies

Anonymous064 · 26/01/2018 21:06

Hi, I’m not a mother and I don’t plan on becoming one anytime soon. Although I can not wait to become one when the time is right, I am here to specifically ask the mothers out there that might know how to have a better relationship between the mother and daughter?
I am a 16 year old girl, who is doing pretty well with studies, I have worked my arse off getting to sixth form just so I can get a better access to having a good future. It’s been quite hard with the lack of money we have, all my friends have successful mothers and fathers which also quite difficult to cope with. For some reason - I’ll never understand why - my mother doesn’t seem to care. When I was a little girl she used to adore me but now I’ve got older the relationship has deteriorated. It has got to the point where I now can’t bring myself to say “I love you” or even touch her, it does not feel right. Everyday when I get home, I do not get a “hi, how was your day?” or even a look. She sits on her phone with my baby sister and acts as if she’s didn’t know I came in. I just go upstairs and go along with it because what’s the point? In a morning she huffs and puffs at me and looks at me like I’ve done something terribly wrong. As a result, I just grab my lunch and get out the door asap. If I stay too long it’s put some in a bad mood for the rest of the day and I just want to cry badly. When I’m hungry she makes me feel awful. This is the worst, and is the topic that I get upset about the most. I feel so guilty asking for food when I’m hungry as she shouts no, she says I eat too much of it, or “fine whatever”. I am a skinny girl who weighs 7 pounds - and I know what you’re thinking, most girls would adore that which I appreciate, but I do not like it as I’d like to look healthier with more weight. It is something that I’m deeply struggling with as accessing food isint even a consideration at home for me anymore, I just sneak it when she leaves the house. My step dad counts everything so when things go missing, my heart drops in case I get embarrassed by one of them for eating; making me feel ashamed the next time I eat and turns into one big cycle. Don’t get me wrong, I do eat! It’s just I’d love 3 meals a day and for them to be healthier and not something that’s quick and easy.
I also don’t understand why my friends and other girls I see are able to talk about boys and other girly things mothers and daughters do. To me, I see that as a scary thing and often I come to realise that I’d actually love to also do that because they seem like they are the best friend you’ll never have. I’d love to go shopping, out for dinner, get my nails done or simply just have a girly night in at home. Daring to ask for this or even thinking about it makes me feel pointless, silly and embarrassed because I can’t imagine me and my mum in any of those suituations when I barley talk to her - I would find it extremely awkward. I’d love to have a relationship with my dad, but unfortunately he passed away a long time ago. Just to confirm I’m not mentioning that for sympathy, but just to convey my struggle of not having either parent to talk to or do things with anymore. I hate it.
I know when that when I have my children I will be the complete opposite. I hope for my children that we can have a good relationship regardless of their gender, a healthy diet, a healthy mindset, things paid for and a good education and social life. I already love them and they aren’t even here! It makes me happier to think that from this I’m turning a bad suituation into a good one for the future, not copying!
I may sound completely ridiculous, ungrateful or silly as others may have it harder, but this has been going on far too long and I feel like this is the right place to express my feelings. Is jealous? Am I doing something wrong? Can mothers tend to regret having children? Please someone help me understand as I’m deeply hurt:( thankyou so much for reading this.

OP posts:
CrispyAubergine · 26/01/2018 21:12

You sound lovely

My heart absolutely goes out to you, from reading your post I can’t see any reason why she’d act this way. Maybe she’s stressed or depressed or something but that doesn’t excuse her attitude imo. And begrudging you eating is out of order

I’m 38 now but remember feeling like I was some sort of burden on my parents once I’d left school. so I left home at 18 even though I didn’t want to. I just felt they didn’t want me

Hugs to you. Xx

Merryoldgoat · 26/01/2018 21:20

I'm so sorry you're going through this OP - it sounds so miserable.

Elements sound similar to my mum (but your experience is FAR worse) and she was desperately depressed and unhappy in her relationship.

Is this a possibility for your mum? It doesn't excuse her behaviour but might go some way to explain it.

Do you have any other family for support? Grandparents or an aunt/uncle?

springydaffs · 26/01/2018 22:03

I'm very concerned to hear you're not getting enough to eat. Can you talk to someone at school, someone safe, school counsellor?

I'm sorry you're so unhappy at home. You sound lovely Flowers

pallasathena · 26/01/2018 22:45

Its so hard for you. But its really positive that you've reached out on this site for someone to listen and just maybe, someone to advise.
You could think about disclosing how you're feeling to a trusted teacher or form tutor at school who may be able to offer some solutions. They have a duty of care and could either stage an intervention or simply provide a listening ear.
At sixteen, you are becoming very aware of how the world works and how different families operate...often we're left with feeling resentful, angry, upset, even ashamed, because other peoples lives appear so much better than ours.
I know its hard, but try and focus on what you do have rather than what you don't have. You have a home, a sibling, a mum, a step dad, you're doing brilliantly at school which means you'll have a very bright future in just a few years if you make the right choices, channel your inner warrior and remain determined to succeed.
In two or three years time you could be at university. Its not far off is it? Focus on your future now. That is more important than anything.
As for the money/food issues, is there a shop, fast food outlet or similar locally you could access for a Saturday/ holiday job? My own teens all had Saturday jobs at your age. It could help you with buying both food and personal items for yourself.
Good luck OP. You come over as a wonderful, intelligent and very caring young person who deserves better.
But it is what it is and for now and for just two or three years more until you achieve your qualifications, you have to make the best of things.
You will discover that you are stronger than you know.

aftertheevent · 27/01/2018 00:28

Hi there I'm a mum who went through a stressful couple of years when my dc were your age and I wasn't the best mum I could have been.
Despite this the dc went on to uni and I have done my best to be there for them now and we are great friends.
Just give yourself a few more years of getting on and working hard and then you will be off to uni and maybe you will see things differently as your own adult life begins.

BackInTheRoom · 28/01/2018 02:53

@Anonymous064

Please have a look at this link:

www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/you-your-body/getting-help/asking-adult-help/

I'm not making excuses for your mum but sometimes mums are distracted. I can imagine you feel awful and as a mum I feel awful for you. You are important and you've reminded me about how my own daughter must feel so thank you so much for posting this bless you 😊.

Pleas read the link and try listen to the other mums on here and keep posting. 😊

CrispyAubergine · 28/01/2018 19:44

How are you op ?

Mammysin · 28/01/2018 19:56

I really feel for you OP. My mother did not buy me sanitary products or clothes or beauty stuff. She refused to give me a lift into the nearest town (5 miles away). I used to hitch a lift with strangers while she would say "be careful". In all the years I attended university(7 years!) she gave me 20 pounds. She never visited me when she wAs in my university city. I am NC now. Please start detaching from her. Create a support system with your friends, teachers and neighbours. You sound fabulous please tell someone you trust you deserve more 💐

user1497997754 · 28/01/2018 21:11

It's good that you posted on here....your not alone....my mum was very similar to yours never took much interested when I was young and I am now 57 and she is still the same. Do you have any close relatives or good friends maybe you can confide in them. Could you maybe get yourself a Saturday job so you can earn yourself some money. My advice would be to work hard at school and try and get good results aim to go to college or university. Dont let your mother ruin your future chances of a lovely life and being a good and loving mother when the time is right. Learn from the mistakes your mother is making. If you really feel you can't talk to her maybe right her a letter and explain how you feel she may not be aware of how hurt you feel about what's going on. Big hugs to you and take good care.

Huntinginthedark · 28/01/2018 21:47

Oh op my heart goes out to you.
It’s a struggle when you look at other people’s relationships with their mother and wish you had that
On a positive note, you recognise it. You came on here to ask for advice and you come across as a very level headed kind hearted young woman.
Is there a counselling service you can access?

I am also worried about the food aspect, it’s really not healthy.
You need to try and find some RL support. Friends, parents of friends? Someone who you can talk to and can help you practically. If you don’t think you can sit down with your mother.

be kind to yourself.

Anonymous064 · 28/01/2018 21:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

springydaffs · 28/01/2018 22:01

Are you going to get help though Anon? Is there anyone official you could talk to to assess your needs?

Please find someone soon to talk to, someone who can pull strings to help you practically xxx

Anonymous064 · 28/01/2018 22:02

Thankyou to everyone replying, I love it! This is making me feel much better xx

OP posts:
Anonymous064 · 28/01/2018 22:09

I wish I knew how to reply to everyone individually. The comments are so helpful and I'm deeply appreciative. As for Saturday jobs, I do have one. I have spent quite a large proportion of my money altogether on food which makes me feel almost angry and upset as I've worked for that. This is only because I feel like at this age I should be spending it on materialistic things like my friends, it's so hard. I only want to do that when I have a proper job if that makes sense, but it'll have to do for now.
I have spoken to numerous counsellors but they all leave when they go to other schools. One specific time I remember was when I got quite close to the 3rd one and when she suddenly left I felt that it was pointless even having one. That is why I am on here as I know comments from others will help, as they are now.
I did used to stay at my aunts when I was 11 years old up until 13. That stopped because of the distance we had to travel every weekend to get their as my family live far away from all of my relatives, so I'm not close to any of them now. As I mentioned previously, my dad passed away so I'm not In contact with my dads side either, and my mother does not like them so if she ever found out I don't think she would be too pleased.
Again, thankyou for the lovely comments, you all seem like lovely mums and I hope everything is going great in your lives. Thankyou xx

OP posts:
laura65988 · 01/02/2018 10:33

This is heartbreaking I know someone this happened to they went to homeless to be rehoused and she finished school kept her house passed driving test has a car she's now 19 no baby's goes on holidays some people just shouldn't be mum's I never felt comfortable talking to my mum there was no love I couldn't get extra food etc I moved out and lost my house she wouldn't let me back home so I stayed in a hostel was horrible but I got a house met my bf and have 3 kids she doesn't bother about I've accepted it now xx

hellsbellsmelons · 01/02/2018 11:27

My step dad counts everything so when things go missing, my heart drops in case I get embarrassed by one of them for eating
I would imagine this is your biggest issue.
Your DM is putting her 'man' before her DD.
It's heartbreaking to read.
My DD comes to me with everything and anything (too much sometimes - god bless her)
Childline is a good shout.
Would you be comfortable chatting to social services?
You should not be going hungry.
This is a massively important time for you and good nutrition is so important for your growth and your brain right now.
Please get yourself some help though.
Your mum is letting you down massively right now.
But it sounds like the 'man' she is with is an abuser.

Jux · 01/02/2018 12:08

I think your aunt would be delighted to hear from you. She's probably worried about you for the last 3 years of no contact.

How disruptive would it be for you to change schools? I am wondering whether you could go to your aunt and to a school there? She would get the CB if she was your main carer.

I think your step dad is a biiiig problem. He counts everything and presumably your mum has to answer to him too, so she's thrown you to the dogs to protect herself. Doesn't exonerate her, mind, not at all. Whether it's true or not, you are living in an abusive home.

As your mum didn't like your dad's family, that may be an indication that they're normal people. Might be worth having a ferret about on facebook?

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