By Cheryl Mattox Berry
A house full of junk piled floor to ceiling.
No running water or electricity.
An empty refrigerator.
A roach-infested house.
Every child deserves to live in a house that is clean and safe with working utilities. Unfortunately, some adults are unable to provide these basic needs, and their children suffer as a result.
If any of the above conditions describes the environment in which you live, it’s time you asked for help. It’s not your fault the house is in that condition. The person responsible for raising you isn’t up to the task. It could be that your parent suffers from a mental condition or simply doesn’t know how to manage a household.
Regardless, the problem is too complicated for you to fix, and you shouldn’t have to worry about what is an adult issue. Is there a family friend, relative, minister or guidance counselor who can intervene on your behalf?
Some teens don’t confide in anyone about their living conditions out of fear their parents might get in trouble or they’ll be removed from the home. That isn’t the goal. Find someone who understands that you want to help your parents not punish them.
Children living in hoarded homes say the mess causes depression, anxiety, insecurity and loneliness. They’re unable to invite friends over because they’re embarrassed by the condition of their house.
What makes matters worse is their parent’s inability to comprehend the seriousness of the matter or how it affects their child. That is why you need a third party to speak on your behalf. The problem won’t go away without the help of a professional.
Sadly, it often takes removing a child from deplorable conditions for adults to face their problem and accept help. It may come to that in your case. However, understand that asking for help is a step toward creating the home that every parent should provide for a child.