Caroline Rules: The Good Daughter

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The Dilemma: My father lost his business two years ago and since then my parents have been struggling financially. My father did find a new job eventually, but he's not making enough to support them, so my mother (who recently turned 60) has also gone back to work. Whenever I see or talk to my mother, she is miserable. I know this is hard for her and I've tried to be supportive—both emotionally and financially—but I have two young children of my own and my husband and I work full-time. I don't like seeing my mother so upset, but I also am at a loss for how to help her. Any advice on what I can say to her to get her out of this self-pitying way of thinking? Should I just wait it out? Or address it?

Caroline's Ruling: This is so sad to hear, and unfortunately your parents aren't alone in this scenario. More and more seniors are forced to get back into the workforce in order to survive.

I can understand where your mom is coming from; I don't think this is where she envisioned herself to be at age 60. At the same time this is life and your mom will come to terms with her situation in time.