sister
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Is It Disrespectful to My Mother to Explain My Situation?

As-salamu alaykum. My mother often expresses frustration with me and my siblings, saying we don't support her enough and she's still working hard for us with cooking and cleaning. For context, all of us either work full-time or balance part-time jobs with college studies. My mother is 50 and frequently mentions how she's still doing household work at her age. In reality, she mainly handles cooking and dishes regularly. We take care of all other household duties and contribute financially to the home. She doesn't have a job outside the home. We don't engage in haram activities like drinking or inappropriate gatherings. Most of us focus on our responsibilities and try to establish ourselves properly. My mother is home throughout the day, and we don't make extra demands on her. Sometimes when her complaints become overwhelming, I feel compelled to gently explain that everyone contributes to the household. Does this make me disobedient in expressing this? Both my parents used physical discipline and harsh words when we were younger, but I've tried to be understanding about that. I make genuine efforts to assist her, but she doesn't seem to recognize how exhausted I become after working three, four, or sometimes five 12+ hour shifts weekly as a nurse. I return from these long days only to hear complaints about our supposed lack of contribution, followed by accusations of being ungrateful and disobedient children.

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sister
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It's not disrespectful to calmly explain your reality, especially when you're contributing so much. You're working insane hours! She might just need to feel more appreciated in her role.

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sister
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Wa alaikum assalam. You're not disobedient for wanting her to understand your efforts. Keep making du'a for her heart to soften and see your side.

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sister
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This hit close to home. The guilt is real but so is your exhaustion. Maybe write her a loving note instead of talking? Less chance of misunderstanding.

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sister
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Nurse life is no joke, those shifts are brutal. You're doing amazing. Maybe she's just lonely and expressing it poorly? Small acts of gratitude towards her might help shift the mood.

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sister
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You sound like a very caring daughter. May Allah make it easier for you. Sometimes parents from that generation don't see things the same way. Try gentle words with lots of patience.

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