He’s Already 35 and Still Has No Wife or Children: A Mother’s Reflections on Raising an Only Son Alone and the Consequences of Overprotective Love

Author Mitsuko NagasakiReading 2 minViews 3

Hes already 35 years old and has neither wife nor children

Just last week, I was at my mother-in-laws house with my son. At the time, one of her old friends was visiting. She spent the entire day doting on my son.

Its such a shame I dont have any grandchildren, she said with genuine sadness in her voice.

My mother-in-laws friend had her only child when she was well over thirty. She adored her long-awaited boy, indulging him in everything. Tragedy struck earlyher husband passed away when the boy was just a toddler. Determined, she raised him completely on her own, working double shifts to make ends meet.

When her son reached the age of 35, she finally asked him if she could ever expect grandchildren.

His response was surprisingly calm: Never.

He went on to say that his upbringing was to blame, claiming that his mother had, in a way, made him… well, somewhat childish.

Im too used to a simple, easy life, he said. No woman would want to become a second mum to me.

He added, without a hint of bitterness, that it actually suited him just fine and that he wasnt going to change for anyones sake.

I dont need anyone, Mum. Just you, he concluded.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she admitted, I suppose I failed to teach him the most important lesson: how to be a man.

Its made me wonder deeplycan a mothers love truly protect a child but also, at the same time, hold them back from becoming independent?

Id really appreciate hearing your own thoughts on this in the comments below.

A Parent’s Heart: A Story Thank you for your support, your likes, your kindness, and your feedback on my stories, for subscribing, and a HUGE thank you from me and my five kitty-cats for all your generous donations. Please share your favourite stories on social media – it brings joy to the author! “Why are you so gloomy this morning? Not even a smile – come on, let’s have breakfast.” Her husband came into the kitchen, stretching sleepily, grateful that it was finally the weekend. On the hob, eggs and bacon were sizzling away, while his wife poured the tea. She piled more than half the eggs onto his plate, added some bread, and said, “Eat up, use your fork!” “Did I do something wrong, Natasha?” Arkady asked gently. “We both did. We haven’t raised the children right,” replied Natalie, settling at the table and eating without much appetite. “The kids are grown now, we denied ourselves so much while bringing them up, times were hard. We did everything for them— but who supports us? Even if it’s just with kind words? They’re always having problems: they’re bored, or struggling for money. Both Sam and Sophie just keep moaning.” “What makes you think that?” Arkady was already finishing his eggs, happily spreading butter on fresh bread with a dollop of jam on top. “It’s easier for you, they come to me with all their gripes. Yesterday, Sam wanted to take the family bowling, asking for money until payday, and I lost my temper and refused. He was so upset. And earlier, Sophie called in a terrible mood—her singing career isn’t taking off. If you like singing, do it for your own pleasure, but you need a real job too! She wants singing to pay her way, but it’s just not working out. Not everyone was born for the big stage—it’s time she realized and got a proper job! And don’t get me started on how she and Sam have stopped talking to each other, after being so close as kids.” Natalie pushed aside her now-cold eggs and sipped her tea. “Don’t worry so much, it’ll all work out. Remember, we were young once,” Arkady tried to reassure her, but it only seemed to make her more upset. “Oh come on, Ark, you remember! We lived within our means and were grateful for what we had. When Sam was born, it was sheer joy—my friend gave us the cot and pram, my sister passed down baby grows and blankets. Everything was second-hand but like new, kids grow so fast! And we were happy, and proud as punch when we finally got our first car, an old Ford Escort. We even parked it outside like royalty! But with our two, unless they’ve been bored on a beach in Spain, they act as if life’s not worth living. Who taught them that? Not us.” “These are different times, Natasha. More temptation, and they’re young—they’ll understand, just give them time.” “I just hope it’s not too late: they’re in such a rush for all life’s riches, but life’s flying by, Arkady. Sometimes I look in the mirror—how did I get so old? A grandma. And you’re a grandad…” Their conversation was interrupted by a phone call. Their son Sam’s neighbour was on the line, calling from the hospital ward. “Oh, not again,” muttered Natalie, her eyes widening as she spoke. “Arkady, get dressed, quick—Sam’s in hospital. His neighbour called from the ward.” “What happened?” Arkady asked, jumping up to get dressed in a hurry. “I’m not sure, something with a power tool… his hand was sliced, they’re trying to reattach it, I just hope it’s all going to be alright—let’s go, now.” They dressed quickly—no longer young, but not quite old either—their eyes filled with worry. Off they dashed, forgetting everything else, racing to their son’s side in hospital… As they rushed, their daughter Sophie called. “Mum, can I drop by for lunch?” “Come by, love, we should be back by then,” Natalie puffed, cutting the call short as she hurried after Arkady to the bus stop. At the hospital they were told his hand was saved but they couldn’t see him yet. “I’m not leaving until I see him,” Natalie insisted, settling in the waiting area with Arkady beside her. Suddenly Sophie rushed into the hospital, flinging herself into their arms. “Mum, why do you look so worried? It’s all fine—Sam stayed late doing some work, cutting bolts on someone’s car, and his hand slipped. He’s awake, they stitched him up—he can even move his fingers. Mum, you look dreadful—honestly, it’s all fine!” “How do you know?” Natalie gasped. “Sam and I always message, and I chat with his wife, Leah, too. We look out for each other, why?” “We thought you two barely spoke these days—why didn’t you keep us in the loop?” asked Arkady. “Dad, you two have always been so strong, able to get through anything—so we try not to worry you with our nonsense,” Sophie smiled, “Besides, you both look so young! We want you to finally enjoy yourselves.” “I thought you didn’t care anymore,” Natalie smiled back, relieved. “No, Mum, it’s just your generation—so resilient! We try to live up to you, even if we don’t always manage, but we always try, okay?” Their worries eased, the parents finally smiled. “Mum, Dad, I wanted to tell you—I got a new job! And people keep inviting me to sing at different events—nurseries, care homes… Yesterday I sang at a home for the elderly; they clapped so much! One lady even cried. Her daughter’s a famous singer, but she’s always away on tour… can you imagine leaving your own mum? Awful.” Suddenly Sophie hugged her parents tight. “We love you both so much—don’t ever think otherwise!” Just then the nurse allowed a brief visit. Natalie nearly burst into tears, but Sam reassured her. “Mum, honestly, the worst is over. Dad, remember that wasp’s nest that stung you so badly you ended up in hospital? Things happen. When I get out, come over for New Year’s—let’s all be together, we hardly see each other. Sophie wants to bring her new boyfriend, she’s been meaning to tell you.” Natalie and Arkady walked home afterwards, deciding on a good stroll. No longer young, but not yet old—just parents, all the same. Oh, that parental heart. It always aches for your children. You look at other families and always want yours to be the best, to do things the right way, to always listen to you. But they have to find their own way, whatever that might be… And in the end, our children—they’re good children. After all, they’re ours…

04

After My Parents’ Divorce, They Cast Their Daughter Aside I Begged, but Mum Was Unyielding—She Stuffed My Things in a Backpack, Gave Me a Bit of Money, and Forced Me Out. We’d Been a Typical British Family: Mum, Dad, Daughter, and Grandad Walter. Life Was Good, Until Mum Lost All Motivation and Dad Found Someone New. Dad’s New Love Was Much Younger, She Became Pregnant, and Mum Couldn’t Forgive His Infidelity—He Left to Start Over. Both Parents Chased Their Own Happiness, Leaving No Room for Me. As I Finished Year 9, Mum Brought Home a Much Younger Man and I Spoke Out. I Fell Into the Wrong Crowd: Started Drinking, Cut My Hair Short, and Dyed It Pink. Mum Ignored My Antics Completely—I Was Still an Outsider. After Year 10, During Another Argument, Mum Kicked Me Out. She Told Me, “Listen Carefully: You’re Grown Now, Like Your Dad, I Want My Own Happiness. Pack Up and Live With Him!” I Begged for Forgiveness, but She Tossed My Belongings in My Bag and Pushed Me Out. When I Went to Dad, He Also Turned Me Away: “This Flat Is My Wife’s, She Won’t Let You Stay. Go Back to Mum and Make Peace.” And He Slammed the Door. Lost, I Bought a Train Ticket Filled With Uncertainty. So Much Happened After That Day. I Arrived in a Little Northern Town, Attended College, Then Became a Chef. Eventually, I Met a Boy, Fell in Love, Got Married, and We Bought Our Own Home. My Husband Urged Me to Forgive My Parents—He’d Grown Up in Care, Knew the Pain of Being Alone, and Understood the Privilege of Having Family. Still, I Stalled on Reconciliation—Until My Husband Finally Said, “You’re Lucky to Have Parents, but Your Pride Makes You an Orphan. You Can’t Go On—Everyone Makes Mistakes. It’s Time to Face Your Parents.” We Travelled Back to My Hometown. When We Rang the Doorbell of My Childhood Flat, My Elderly Parents Answered. Mum Fell to Her Knees and Begged Forgiveness. In That Moment, I Realised I’d Already Forgiven Them Long Ago—But Never Admitted It. We Entered Together, Introduced My Husband, and Told Them They’d Soon Be Grandparents. My Parents Confessed That Searching for Me Had Reunited Them. My Disappearance Brought Them Closer—Together Once Again as a Family. Dad’s Second Wife, Seeing His Heart Yearned for Mum, Let Him Go; She Later Married the Man She’d Had an Affair With. Dad Had Believed the Baby Was His, But Later Learned Through a Paternity Test That He Wasn’t the Father. Now My Parents Are Happy—And So Am I. Life Turned Out Just as I Dreamed When I Was a Teen: Mum and Dad Living Under One Roof Again.

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📌 Useful Social Services & Contacts in the U.S.

Stay informed and get help when you need it. Below are key national services with direct contacts that may support you or your loved ones:
🏥 Health & Mental Support

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

What they do: Free and confidential help with substance use and mental health disorders.

Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – 24/7, anonymous support

Website: samhsa.gov

🧒 Support for Children & Families

WIC – Women, Infants, and Children Program

What they do: Nutritional and healthcare support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Federal Info Line: 1-800-522-5006

Find local WIC office: fns.usda.gov/wic

He’s Already 35 and Still Has No Wife or Children: A Mother’s Reflections on Raising an Only Son Alone and the Consequences of Overprotective Love