🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #275
The burden of caring for our parents has fallen on me alone among my siblings. How can I get the others to share it?
Caring for parents is a shared responsibility of all the children, not only the one who lives closest or has the softest heart. Instead of bottling up your feelings until you become angry, call a family meeting and talk openly. Divide the tasks according to each person's ability: some can help with their energy, some with money, some with time. Set clear turns so no one is left out. Avoid an accusing tone; start with ‘I need all of us to help look after Mum and Dad.’ If the discussion reaches a deadlock, ask someone respected in the family to act as a mediator. Fairness here protects the ties between siblings. See maintenance of parents.