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Ribbman Asked December 2015

How should I handle problems with siblings?

Hi, my brother and I have never gotten along, and mom's health problems and dementia have aggravated things. She fabricates things that pushes his buttons, and she does the same to me. This time, I fell for what she was saying, and confronted him through email about it. He sent a rancorous response full of accusations. It appears that we are going to be unable to communicate about mom's difficulties. Any suggestions about how to handle these kids of interactions?

Rainmom Dec 2015
OMG - I actually had to look twice at the posters name!!! I have written this exact post in my head a couple of time!!! I will also hope to find help within the comments! Starting to wonder if I've finally lost my mind and Ribbman is an alter.

Ribbman Dec 2015
Sometimes it seems like the hard way is the only way...

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pamstegma Dec 2015
It's been going on since you were a kid. Now you know enough to beat the game. How did I learn this? The hard way. LOL

Ribbman Dec 2015
Thanks pamstegma! That is disturbing, but rings very true. One of the many aspects of this...situation, is the question of how long this really has been going on. It's caused me to reframe my entire life.

pamstegma Dec 2015
No email. Call each other when she says something bizarre and verify the information. Unfortunately email is often read in the wrong tone of voice. Once you are all on the same page, she can no longer divide and conquer. Old parents often use "divide and conquer" statements to deliberately cause the children to argue among themselves. This gives the parent a sense of control over all of you. I bet she has been doing that for years. Beat her to the punch, talk to each other weekly.

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