DrRoberta Dear Dr. Roberta,
My mother is driving me crazy. Ever since my dad died she expects me to be at her beck and call. I have a family and a job and I just cannot cater to her. But she doesn’t stop bugging me. What should I do?
Daughter, NC
Dear Daughter,
You should find community resources such as senior citizen centers, Widow-to-Widow programs, church groups, Meals on Wheels, etc. Plan to see your mom on specific days for specific chores. That way she’ll know exactly when to expect you and she’ll have something to look forward to. You are entitled to live your life and you’ll be able to once you have other helpers lined up. In fact, you’ll be much nicer to her because you won’t feel put upon.
– Dr. Roberta
