| Adapted from an online discussion. Hello, Carolyn! I’m a middle-aged woman, married and have an active 13-year-old. I also have a mother who has dementia and is still living independently with my stepdad. They live 20 minutes away. Part of her dementia is the rage and anger you hear about, but just toward my stepdad. He’s petrified of her. It’s bringing back the trauma from my childhood. This is how she treated me for many years. She says it never happened, that I was too sensitive. But with the behavior restarting, I really don’t like spending time with her. She’s terribly negative, judgmental and narcissistic. I am one of four, the eldest and very responsible, although I’ve had my issues. Two children don’t speak to her. My brother comes around once or twice a year. So I’m it, and I’m mad and I feel awfully guilty. How do I take care of the kiddo inside of me but also take care of her? — Taking Care of Mom | 
