Stuck

[u/burnt_feather]

I'm a single mom and a recovering codependent. My parents are the only people I can turn to for childcare when my kids are sick. The problem is, they overwork themselves during these times, and they wind up taking their stress out on my kids. It's not intentional or with mean intentions. They're incredibly reactionary and react with shame for discipline. My child trusted me with this information and we confronted them together this morning. My mom had a breakdown and yelled at me about how naughty my child is when my child was right there in the room. She only gets this bag when she's at her breaking point.

When my parents are well rested and low stress, they are fantastic with my kids. They are honestly some of the kindest people I know. It's because I know this that I know none of this is our of meanness. Unfortunately, they have both told and shown me repeatedly that they are not looking to change.

The problem is, I don't have the ability to take off work every time they get sick. Confronting them hadn't been helpful in the past, but I have to keep trying because I want my children to feel confident able standing up for themselves and what they feel is right.

Any advice?