My mother demands I care for her but leaves inheritance for my siblings

By AQ   February 2, 2025 | 02:56 pm PT
My mother demands I care for her but leaves inheritance for my siblings
Some parents expect one child to care for them while leaving the inheritance to the others. Illustration photo by Pexels
My mother insists on living with me and expects me to take care of her, yet she wants to leave the inheritance to the two children she favors.

Passing down assets to the child who stays and cares for the parents seems like the most logical approach. Caring for the elderly is one of the toughest and most restrictive tasks, often requiring sacrifices to one’s career and personal health. I have seen many families who divide their inheritance in favor of the child who stays with the parents, as this tends to maintain family harmony.

On the other hand, those who rely on one child for care but leave money and assets to others, who do not live with them, are more likely to face discord. Even when elderly parents choose to live with the child who provides better care, any dissatisfaction often leads them to complain to the other children, causing tension. Over time, this tension builds, and many siblings find themselves unable to look at each other after their parents pass away.

I am a single woman, and my wealth is nowhere near my mother’s. Yet, she insists on living with me and expects me to take care of her with my own money. She pressures me to accept this arrangement, even though she plans to leave her inheritance to the two children she favors.

Whenever I need to go out, even for just one day, I am constantly worried about how to manage everything. Despite my best efforts, my mother often remains uncomfortable at home. The child who lives with their parents has no one to confide in, and if they do, they are accused of seeking benefits for caring for them.

My mother has always criticized me, from my childhood until now, yet still expects me to care for her in her old age. While I continue to do so attentively, I am filled with resentment. To her, a daughter will eventually marry into another family. It is clear she does not want to, nor does she make it easy for me to fulfill my duty. This is why I cannot open my heart and treat her as a child should treat their parents.

Should children who take care of their parents get more inheritance?

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.

 
 
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