Being a single parent presents unique challenges and obstacles. Aside from financial difficulties, single parents are frequently compelled to balance jobs, housework, and parenting their children.
With no partner to share chores, single parents have a lot on their plates, but they do everything they can to provide their children the best life possible. Unfortunately, the children do not always comprehend what their parents are going through and are not thankful for the things, love, and sacrifices that their mothers and fathers do for them.
A single mother of two relates a story about her daughter who refused to help around the house.
Specifically, despite her and her husband’s divorce, they have remained on good terms and have resolved not to let their differences interfere with the development of their son and daughter.
The mother admitted to having financial troubles as well as parenting her children. Her ex made financial contributions, but they were insufficient.
On top of that, her daughter, who was 15, refused to help with anything around the house. She didn’t show any interest in helping with her younger brother too.
Not being able to live with her daughter’s risky behavior any longer, the mother decided to speak with her in order to convey to her that being a member of a family meant sharing responsibilities and the weight, especially during difficult times.
She went so far as to tell her daughter that if she didn’t help around the house, she’d have to pay the rent.
The following day, the daughter entered the home together with her father, Carl, who told his ex-wife, “How dare you, she’s a child.”
The daughter’s face was grumpy, but that’s when the woman realized that her plan worked, because the daughter was convinced this was a confrontation between her parents, but it was in fact a strategy to teach her a lesson.
Assuming her daughter would complain to her father, the woman called her husband ahead of time and informed him of her plan; to her surprise, he agreed to go along for his daughter’s sake.
The parents got into a furious disagreement in front of their daughter, and the mother feigned to pass out.
She was unable to observe her daughter’s reaction, but her ex reported that their kid was terrified. The father then informed her that he would be taking her and her brother with him, but that she would have to take on the tasks she had been avoiding at her mother’s place.
At that moment, the daughter started hugging her mom as she threw herself on top of her.
Once the theatrics were over, the woman and her ex had an open and honest conversation with their daughter and explained to her just how important it is for her to understand her role in the household and that she was old enough to have some responsibilities.
Luckily, the conversation worked. Not only the daughter promised to do certain chores around the house and help with her little brother if needed, but she also apologized to her mom for her behavior.
The change that followed in the days to come was incredible, and definitely a positive one.
This story is a proof that we should never underestimate the power of open communication and mutual understanding. This, along with shared parenting values, leads to healthy relationships and healthy children.
The mom from this story chose and unconventional method, it lead to a profound lesson.
