How to Help, Guide, Support a Sister in Need?

Updated on June 30, 2010
C.A. asks from Addison, IL
5 answers

so my sister has three children (2, 7, & 9) and they live in westchester IL. she has been married to the father of these kids for 12 years. my sister just started working full time in the Fall of last year because her husband cannot seem to hold down a job despite being able bodied and has a degree in engineering. I know many people are having a difficult time but this has been the case throughout their entire marriage. He has been fired or let go or quit from al least 13 jobs that we can remember. my sister is at whits end and believes she has given him amplle chances to "lead" the family. He has not demonstrated the capacity to be "mr. mom" despite his ability to do so. sis is desperite to move on but has difficulty finding the time to be resourceful. she says what can I do? where can I go? how do we (sibs, friends, parents) help and guide her when she is just trying to survive the day? help mamas!

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P.O.

answers from Jacksonville on

Baby sit for her, listen to her vent, help her with dinner/chores, help her financially, pray for her husband to feel contentment and satisfaction in his jobs. Since he starts and quits so often, he might be the type that enjoys variety versus the same job over and over. In that case, he could do contracting instead where it would not be considered hire and fire. If her husband is an engineer, quite likely he is not the social type and even though it might seem he cannot do a good job as care giver, I believe he will do a good job HIS way if placed in a position to do so. If she is so concerned, then put the 2 yr old in daycare. The other two are old enough to stay with their dad.

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T.A.

answers from Toledo on

Maybe some medication for ADD!

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B.M.

answers from Chicago on

I say, she married him for better and worst. My brother is an engineer too and not working, because of the economy is in the toilet. If people aren't building, these engineers are jobless. My husband is too was a carpenter, but it not his fault neither. I hope for the better and there was better and worst. Making your sister's husband feel bad isn't the right solution. Maybe the poor guy has ADD as an adult, which my husband has too. If your sister wants to leave him because of his job situation, that's a poor excuse to end the relationship. If he is a bad husband like abusing her or cheating then you have a case.

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

Support comes in all facets. One major support is spiritual-pray for the family. Perhaps her husband may need to work contractual, assignments may offer him the variety he needs. Check out some of the major engineering firms for contractual positions. Also he may need to start his own business. Here is one good for health and accumulating wealth.

www.ardysslife.com/LLJBCreativesolution

Overall be sure your support is not judgement but true concern for well being.

Blessings to you and your family.
L.

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A.L.

answers from Chicago on

My brother's wife can't hold a job consistently. She recently confided in me she is bi-polar. It explains quite a few things since I've known her. I would recommend having her husband seek medical advice to ensure both his physical health and mental health are in order.

Best wishes.

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