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Adult Children Navigate Guilt in Caring for Abusive Parents

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Caring for aging parents is hard when past abuse or neglect shapes relationships.
Emma Kirby, a sociology professor, notes that adult children like Helen and Hannah grapple with guilt and resentment.
Helen feels obligated to help as her parents’ health declines.
Hannah cared for her abusive father after his stroke and faced mental health struggles.
Kathy cared for her critical mother and felt relief after her mother's death.

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Story summary

Caring for aging parents is hard when past abuse or neglect shapes relationships.
Emma Kirby, a sociology professor, notes that adult children like Helen and Hannah grapple with guilt and resentment.
Helen feels obligated to help as her parents’ health declines.
Hannah cared for her abusive father after his stroke and faced mental health struggles.
Kathy cared for her critical mother and felt relief after her mother's death.