Redditor Calls Out Their Entitled Mom For Taking All Of Their Money For Two Whole Decades, Devices A Means To Outsmart Her

Ah, the journey of motherhood. Even without a partner or spouse, parenting can be overwhelming and difficult, so becoming a single mother is a whole different experience.

Yes, we know motherhood is not an easy road; regrettably, it can seem considerably tougher for single mothers. Single mothers face a variety of pressures and difficulties that other families may not directly experience.

Single mothers are tremendously strong and resilient, but it's also understandable for them to experience extreme burnout or tiredness. Because single women are expected to care for their children, finding a balance between work and leisure can be challenging.

As a result, single mothers may end up working longer hours and must care for their children while they are not working, which might result in little time for them to spend alone. The single parent in today's story happens to be the OP's mom, but in her case, she just kept taking and taking.

Okay, so the OP has a wealthy aunt who sends cash for every occasion, starting with the OP's 5th birthday. OP's mom would always open the cards and not let the OP see them.

She would tell the OP that the aunt only sent money because she knew they needed it for "bills," but that was a lie. The OP made some cash in high school, and the mom still wanted it for "bills," but the OP found a better way to handle it.

Here is the story's title

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OP's mother would pocket the money without even telling them how much it was

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Comments poured in, in their hundreds, and here are a bunch of them below

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Understanding the Dynamics of Entitlement

This situation highlights a complex interplay of familial dynamics and entitlement issues. Dr. Emily Foster, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School, suggests that entitlement often emerges from maladaptive family structures where boundaries are not respected.

Research indicates that children raised in environments lacking firm boundaries may develop a sense of ownership over family resources, leading to conflicts in adult relationships. The work of developmental psychologists illustrates how these patterns can perpetuate cycles of financial and emotional exploitation.

This Redditor has a short story to share

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Another Redditor shares a similar story, and here it is

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This Redditor's daughter also sells art to make the money she spends

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A behavioral analyst points out that the mother’s actions may stem from her own unresolved psychological issues, possibly rooted in her upbringing. According to studies published in the Journal of Family Psychology, parents who feel inadequate may unconsciously project their insecurities onto their children, leading to manipulative behaviors.

This creates a toxic cycle where the child feels obligated to comply with unreasonable demands, often leading to resentment and further entrenchment of the entitled behavior.

The OP revealed this piece of information in the comments

My stepbrother had to start paying rent when he turned 18. (He lived with his mom.) I, on the other hand, was paying my mom's rent and groceries when I was 17, and it never really occurred to me that I had a choice.

The OP revealed that they took care of the mom as a teenager

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Another story comes right up from this Redditor

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It seems so many Redditors have been through this type of situation

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Practical Solutions for Boundary Setting

Establishing clear boundaries is essential in mitigating entitlement issues within family dynamics. Experts recommend having open discussions about financial expectations and responsibilities to foster understanding.

Utilizing strategies such as assertive communication can help individuals express their needs without guilt or fear of conflict. According to the communication model developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, nonviolent communication techniques can provide a framework for these discussions, emphasizing empathy and mutual respect.

Another Redditor revealing that their mom opened their birthday cards

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The OP was clearly used by the mom as a cash cow

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There's definitely a lot of stories, and here is one more

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Additionally, understanding the psychological principle of learned helplessness can shed light on why the child feels trapped in this cycle. Research from the University of Pennsylvania indicates that when individuals perceive a lack of control over their circumstances, they may stop trying to change their situation.

Breaking this cycle involves gradually taking back control by making independent financial decisions and seeking external support when necessary.

"I wasn't being punished for anything. She had just gotten into the habit of taking all of my money since I was five. Since she was more than double my weight when I was in high school, I continued to let her," the OP revealed in the comments section.

The original poster has clearly been milked all along, and you can share your thoughts about this story in the comments section below.

Finally, it’s important to recognize the role of emotional intelligence in navigating these complex situations. Studies demonstrate that individuals with high emotional intelligence can better manage their feelings and respond constructively to challenging interpersonal dynamics.

Practicing self-regulation and empathy can enhance one’s ability to deal with emotionally charged family interactions, ultimately leading to healthier relationships.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a classic case of psychological entitlement, often rooted in unresolved family dynamics. It's crucial to recognize that behaviors stemming from entitlement can create significant emotional burdens for both parties involved.

Encouraging open dialogue and setting clear boundaries can help both the parent and child understand their roles and expectations within the relationship.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, these familial entitlement dynamics showcase the profound impact of early experiences on adult behaviors. According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist, "Understanding the roots of entitlement is essential for healing and establishing healthier relationships." Addressing these patterns is key to fostering emotional well-being. With appropriate interventions, individuals can learn to set boundaries that honor their needs while navigating complex emotional landscapes, as noted by Dr. Kristin Neff, self-compassion researcher, who states, "Setting boundaries is a crucial part of self-care and emotional health."