Before her divorce, she was solely responsible for her child, but afterward, she began looking for a nanny. Surprisingly, her mother-in-law offered to help. Initially, she asked if she knew anyone who could assist, and her mother-in-law volunteered herself, of course, for a fee. Her salary isn’t very high, so she needs to be frugal.
At work, I have a colleague who is struggling financially. She doesn’t spend on herself or go to the salon. I often wonder where her salary goes. She works, lives with her parents without a mortgage like others, and her child is looked after by her former mother-in-law; she also receives child support.
It turns out that Emma must pay her parents for her room and her mother-in-law for childcare, and I find it puzzling.
Emma started working with us six months ago, and we became friends quickly. We discovered we have a lot in common, including children of the same age.
Emma immediately confided in me that she had divorced her husband and moved back with her parents. Her parents are well-off; they’re in their fifties and hold good positions. They built a house outside of the city and spend every holiday abroad. When Emma returned home, they gave her a single room to live in.
I assumed she could live there for free, but unfortunately, they charged her from the start. She’s only comforted by the fact it’s her parents, not strangers, handling things, which she thinks is better for her child.
They allocated her a separate shelf in the fridge, and she doesn’t use her parents’ things. Occasionally, they offer her child some fruit.
I can’t understand treating one’s child this way, especially since after her husband left, Emma had nothing and was in debt to her parents for the first few months.
Before the divorce, she managed childcare alone, but later sought a nanny. Her mother-in-law stepped up with an offer. Emma liked the idea since her mother-in-law knows her grandson well, understands his likes and dislikes, and is reliable. Emma agreed, so when needed, her mother-in-law looks after the little one.
It all sounds fine, but Emma struggles financially and can barely afford necessities, let alone any luxuries.
I can’t comprehend how parents can treat their child that way…
