I WANT MY MUM TO ENJOY LIFE

Dear Coleen

I’m an 18-year-old girl and live at home with my mum. My dad left years ago and since then my mum has had a few boyfriends. The last one was serious, but they broke up in the summer and since then she’s barely gone out and seems really down.

She sits in front of the telly every night and I’m worried life is passing her by and she’s still only in her early 40s.

I wish she’d go out with her friends more, but she just says they’re all married or busy.

How can I help her?

Coleen says

Why can’t you be the one to get her off the sofa by suggesting a night at the cinema or dinner at the pub? Sometimes you just need someone to shake you out of your rut. As a mum of grown-up kids, I love it when they suggest taking me out. Maybe your mum assumes you wouldn’t want to go out with her and you’d rather be with your own mates.

Also, don’t be scared of asking her how she’s feeling since the break-up and admitting that you’re worried she’s not enjoying life. It might actually be a huge relief if she’s been trying to keep it together because she doesn’t want to worry you.

I think it’s lovely that you want to look after your mum and I’m sure that with you in her corner, she’ll be OK. It might just take her a little time, that’s all.