Growing up, I used to wonder why people didn’t like the idea of single parenthood, especially because my mom was doing it perfectly. She took care of us, and we grew up with what society would call good morals, obviously so her efforts would not be a waste. Now that I’m older, I understand why people hate it so much. If the job was meant for one person, God wouldn’t have given it to two people. I’m stuck with a career path that might not get me anywhere, I have no proper socialising skills and I have meager money making skills. To top it off, she’s now extremely bitter and any single mistake becomes a sign of witchcraft. The children she used her hands to care for are the same people she breaks down every day. My siblings are exhausted. The younger one has considered suicide, but he’s scared of how he’ll face her if he fails. And I can understand his reason because even I make decisions for myself solely depending on how the outcome will affect her emotions. I’ve tried speaking to her as the oldest child, and she has confessed to me that she’s aware that she’s bitter. Even the things that made her happy when we were younger don’t please her anymore. Anytime I try to encourage her to indulge in self love, it turns to me trying to teach her to be selfish because that’s what I am. I’m trying, I really am. I understand and love her but I’m tired of being inadequate outside, and inadequate at home. My siblings say I act like I’ve mentally given my life to her and even though I try to pretend it’s not like that, I know they aren’t lying. I don’t even want to have kids anymore because of this situation, but she already has my children’s plans all the way to their marriage in mind. I’m only 20.