I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the entire household on my shoulders. At 16 I cook clean and make sure my 8-year-old sister 14-year-old brother and my twin sister are all up and ready for school every morning. On top of that I work and manage my own school responsibilities. It’s exhausting and it feels like there’s no end in sight.
Yesterday I hit a breaking point. I told my mom I needed a mental health day because I couldn’t handle it all anymore. She gave me a look like I was speaking another language and dismissed me asking “What do you even do?” Her response made me so angry I snapped. Without saying much more I packed a bag and left the house.
I stayed at my boyfriend’s place for three days. During that time I ignored every call and text from my family. I just needed space a moment to breathe without the constant demands of the house.
When I finally went home the sight that greeted me only added to my frustration. The house was a complete disaster. My room was trashed the kitchen was a mess and the living room looked like it hadn’t been touched in days. My mom’s first words to me? “Clean it up.”
I lost it. I yelled at her and told her “Just because you work and pay the bills doesn’t mean you can ignore your responsibilities as a parent. I’m 16. I shouldn’t have to take care of everyone else and myself too.” Her response was that I’m the oldest sibling and it’s my job. I reminded her that I’m a twin and there are plenty of other people in the house who can pitch in.
Her attitude makes it feel like I’ve been forced into a role I never signed up for being a second parent to my siblings. I love my family but I can’t keep doing this alone.
People said after hearing me out :
NTA. Your mother has children but expects you to be their mother. That’s not okay.
NTA. Clean your room get up for school and focus on yourself. There are no infants in that house who need constant care and it’s your mom and stepdad’s job to handle their responsibilities as parents.
Most agreed that while it’s okay to help out as a family member it’s not okay for a teenager to shoulder nearly all the household duties while also managing school and work. They encouraged me to stand my ground and insist on boundaries.