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I found with my parents that the child they trust the most is the one they get most upset with. My brother was the favorite, and had moved across country for years now. However when they grew ill (Mom) and dementia (Dad) did not want to have anything to do with him, it had to be me and my husband. It is hard but you are doing the right thing saying no when it is not a good time for you and your husband. You do have to take care of yourself too
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I think I understand what you are saying, your situation sounds a bit like mine. My dad is controlling and says nasty things at times. He doesn’t want help but needs it. My MIL banged her shoulder while we were on a family vacation and acted like she broke it. Our family members don’t mind helping but resentment builds when it is expected, not appreciated, and when you feel you are being taken advantage of or manipulated. This makes it hard to help and to be nice to them. Resentment and anger builds and helping becomes a chore and you become angry.
You will need to put up boundaries and stick to them. Don’t get sucked into arguments and their self pity. Life is life and we all have to live every part. They need to live their elder years with grace. If they can’t or won’t you don’t need to bend like a pretzel to make them happy. GoodLuck!!
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elaineSC Jan 2020
I like your statement about elders needing to live their remaining years with grace. I have seen seniors just be so uncooperative with their adult children who are struggling to help them and have good intentions but the parent(s) fight them tooth and nail over everything including the mail. If their adult children have any sense, the parent should smile and let them help with most decisions regarding their care and welfare. Yes, they can have input but when it gets to important decisions, they need to allow help without barking and acting ungrateful.
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