Malaika
Parentification is more common than you may realise.
Parentification is a phenomenon in which children or teenagers are forced to assume the role of parent, often due to the absence or inability of their biological parents. This can cause feelings of pressure, responsibility, and emotional distress as they attempt to navigate the complexities of adulthood at such a young age. Many teenagers struggle to balance their own needs and desires with the demands of caregiving, emphasising the importance of identifying and addressing parentification in families.
However, many people are unconcerned about how transferring their responsibilities to their children will affect them. I’m not saying that children shouldn’t learn to handle responsibilities as they grow older, but it can be overwhelming at times. As in the following case, it is clear that the original poster (OP) is tired of constantly caring for the two dogs, which limits her free time. That is why it is unsurprising that OP wishes to give away the two dogs so that she can focus on herself for once.
You can scroll down to see how her mother reacted to this suggestion.
Source: Reddit
Wanting to rehome your dogs doesn’t sound great, but OP has a reason for it.
OP is 16 years old, and while she loves her two dogs, it is difficult to take care of them.
She and her family do take care of them; they just don’t have enough space for them.
Her mom only buys them food, while OP is left to do everything for the doggos.
Not only that but OP also has a job and takes care of her two younger siblings.
Via Reddit
This means that OP has no freedom when it comes to enjoying her time, and she is always very busy.
The issue that started this all was when OP’s boyfriend asked her to stay over, so she sent a quick text to her sister asking her to take care of the dogs.
OP also told her mother that she would stay over at her boyfriend’s (Darren’s) house, but her mother wasn’t too happy.
Her mother apparently needs the dogs at their house for protection, but OP is tired of shouldering all the responsibilities.
Via Reddit
This is simply parentification. I mean, OP is not only caring for the dogs, but she is also the primary carer for her siblings, which is not acceptable. I know her mother works, but so does OP. At 16 years old, the OP should have the freedom to do whatever she wants rather than constantly worrying about everything at home. Her mother needs to accept her own responsibility and stop blaming OP for everything.
People in the comments were generally on the OP’s side.
OP is still a minor, and her mother needs to understand this.
The issue isn’t just about the dogs.
It doesn’t look like like it was OP’s idea to get the dogs in the first place.
This is just straight-up parentification.
Taking care of an animal is harder than it seems.
Via Reddit
OP sounds more like an adult than her mother.
Of course, it is clearly Darren’s fault.
This is something that is highly dangerous.
OP’s mother clearly doesn’t care what OP wants.
Now we know that Darren is a ginger.
Via Reddit
What are your thoughts on the issue raised in this story? Is it better if they give the dogs away? Or do you think OP should give her mother a break? How would you react if you were in this situation? Let us know in the comments section below, and don’t forget to share this story with your friends so they can add their thoughts as well.
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