I have to go to Peoria, IL for a week starting February 6 to tend to the affairs of my mother, whose dementia is getting worse. I grew up there but I haven't been back for years, and when I did go back I stayed at Mom's. Now there is no room at Mom's because she's in assisted care. Where should I stay? [more inside]
posted by caryatid on Jan 22, 2013 - 11 answers

My mother is a narcissist and I need help getting over her; please read? [more inside]
posted by inaisa on Jan 17, 2013 - 24 answers

Elderly mom is ill. If it looks like she's not going to make it should I tell her estranged daughter (my semi-estranged sister) despite the risk of an ugly scene ensuing? [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule on Dec 7, 2012 - 32 answers

My mother is going to die, probably very soon. How do I deal with waiting for it to happen? [more inside]
posted by heurtebise on Aug 27, 2012 - 28 answers

I'm a mother (of a toddler) who works part time and is looking to make some extra money. I've considered babysitting jobs, but aside from raising my own son, I don't have much experience with kids aside from babysitting jobs I had when I was a teenager. No recent references. Could I get hired? [more inside]
posted by trillian on May 2, 2012 - 12 answers

How does a single parent cope with an already limited social life and general stress with the added crap of breaking up (again!)? [more inside]
posted by retrofitted on Apr 16, 2012 - 10 answers

How can I not get so agitated by my ill parent's moaning? I live with my parents and take care of my dad while my mom works during the day. He has had medical problems that have left him temporarily unable to move around much, and now he has a yeast infection on his butt that is making just sitting painful at times. I can hear him sometimes moaning in pain in the other room. I can't just put on headphones, because I have to be able to hear when he calls me for help. It's having almost a physical effect on me. I get disgusted and aggravated when I hear this, and the stress is keeping me from getting much done. Is there any way I can manage this?
posted by vash on Jan 25, 2012 - 24 answers

My dad is 95% computer illiterate and is constantly frustrated by his inability to use his computer. What resources (books, programs, videos, etc.) can you recommend that will help improve his experience? [more inside]
posted by EKStickland on Dec 6, 2011 - 17 answers

One of my 3 kids is applying for early decision to college and I have a financial aid question about having her non-custodial dad be part of the process. [more inside]
posted by kinetic on Oct 24, 2011 - 8 answers

Asking for a friend (really): How do you (or did you) deal with finding out that you have an adult child you didn't even know existed? [more inside]
posted by Chairboy on Sep 15, 2011 - 1 answer

Is Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle "appropriate" reading for a 12 year old? [more inside]
posted by ennui.bz on Sep 3, 2011 - 42 answers

I need advice on building a healthy relationship with my father despite his temper. [more inside]
posted by raintree on Jul 25, 2011 - 21 answers

Leave it to us to cause a kerfuffle just before the elementary school spring concert this Friday! My daughter, who's seven and in first grade, is in tears because we, her parents, asked her to modify a movement in her performance and the teacher's response was for her to just do as she's instructed (as reported by our daughter and taken with a grain of salt) because "I'm the one that's teaching here." [more inside]
posted by peagood on May 3, 2011 - 71 answers

What to do about an oblivious young employee abusing a lenient work environment? [more inside]
posted by nadise on Jan 15, 2011 - 60 answers

I recently read about a study that found the brain thinks in more security-oriented ways after the birth of one's first child. I can no longer find it. Folk wisdom seems to say that once you have a child, your values usually change and you are a different person. Is there research for or against chemical and neurological changes in parents?
posted by matt_arnold on Sep 10, 2010 - 9 answers

My parents are always manipulating me, and I need to break away. Long story inside. [more inside]
posted by stedman15 on Jun 12, 2010 - 30 answers

How do I make my mum feel better? Today. (And I'm broke.) [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 on May 12, 2010 - 14 answers

My mother's grief is overwhelming me. How do I keep my cool? [more inside]
posted by Monsters on Sep 5, 2009 - 25 answers

I've always felt I didn't want/shouldn't have babies. Lately, (I'm 25) I've been having strong thoughts (and dreams) that I really want a child. It's scaring me a bit. Some friends have told me it might be normal at this age. Please help me understand or share your experiences. [more inside]
posted by thankyouforyourconsideration on Jun 18, 2009 - 35 answers

My mum will be 65 on March 18. She can just about buy anything her wee little heart desires. I cannot because money is, well, in short supply. What should I get/buy/do for her birthday? [more inside]
posted by deborah on Mar 8, 2005 - 21 answers