Teen Tells Parents She Is ‘Tired’ of Translating for Them While ‘Golden Child’ Brother Acts ‘Like He’s Too Good’ to Help

A young woman’s decision to stop translating for her parents after her brother moved back in has sparked a heated discussion within her family. The 19-year-old had been the sole English speaker in the family, assisting with various tasks such as filling out forms and attending appointments since she was just 11. However, tensions arose when her brother, who is also fluent in English, returned home after living abroad for 12 years but made little effort to help.

The woman turned to the Reddit community for support after feeling overwhelmed by the constant responsibility of translating for her parents. Despite suggesting her brother help out, her parents continued to rely solely on her, leading to a breaking point when she was asked to take time off work for an immigration appointment. Feeling unappreciated and taken for granted, she expressed her frustration at being treated as a tool because of her language skills.

The situation escalated when her father and other family members dismissed her concerns, attributing her brother’s lack of involvement to unfamiliarity with such tasks, leaving her feeling burdened and unsupported. Struggling with conflicting emotions of loyalty to her family and the need to set boundaries for her own well-being, she reached out to the Reddit community to seek validation and advice on her decision to refuse further translation duties.

Receiving encouragement and understanding from online commenters, the young woman found solace in their shared sentiments, affirming her belief that her brother should also contribute to translating for their parents. Despite her attempts to assert her boundaries and address the unequal distribution of responsibilities, she continues to face resistance from her family, particularly her father, who downplays her concerns and maintains that the onus is on her to assist.

As the emotional toll of the situation weighs heavily on her, the woman grapples with feelings of guilt and conflict, torn between fulfilling her familial obligations and prioritising her own needs. The support and reassurance she receives from the online community offer her a sense of validation and empowerment to stand firm in her decision to no longer shoulder the burden of translation alone.

This poignant narrative sheds light on the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of recognising and respecting individual boundaries within relationships. By sharing her story and seeking advice, the young woman highlights the significance of open communication, mutual support, and shared responsibilities in fostering healthier and more equitable family dynamics. Her courage to speak out and advocate for herself serves as a powerful reminder of the need to prioritise self-care and assert boundaries, even within the closest of relationships.