A heart-wrenching story of a 22-year-old daughter aired on 'Lee Ho-sun's Counseling Center,' bringing tears to viewers' eyes.
On the episode broadcasted on the 27th, a mother from a large family with four children appeared with her eldest daughter. The daughter burst into tears as soon as she appeared, prompting Lee Ho-sun to comment, "The daughter is crying even before she starts talking. Her expression is darker than her mother's. A kind face and a despairing face are different. There's despair in her eyes."
The mother explained that she manages childcare with her eldest daughter. She said, "She's almost like my husband. Since I can't handle everything myself, I have to bathe them often, change diapers frequently, and can't wait for my husband to come home."
It was revealed that the third and fourth children, both sons, have developmental disabilities. The daughter became their de facto guardian right after graduating elementary school, as they needed constant supervision.
The mother confessed, "My husband doesn't help much with cleaning up after them," and shared that she bathes her large middle school sons with her eldest daughter. The daughter, who has been caring for her siblings since elementary school, expressed her desire for independence now at 22.
The daughter said, "I rarely got angry with my mom. There were some unfair parts, but I tried to understand her difficulties," evoking empathy.
After graduating elementary school, she gave up on attending middle and high school to care for her three siblings. She had talent, having won several art competitions. Despite wanting to attend school, her mother suggested homeschooling to care for the third and fourth children.
The daughter excelled in art, winning national competitions. The mother said, "During the homeschooling period, I got a job opportunity. I really wanted to work. Since I returned home earlier than my work ended, the eldest took care of her siblings while homeschooling."
Lee Ho-sun criticized, "That choice was wrong. The mother knew this household wasn't structured for homeschooling. She gained freedom while the eldest daughter became a sacrifice, using up a significant part of her life."
Psychological tests showed the daughter had a mindset closer to a middle-aged woman than her peers. Her thrill-seeking tendency was low, while her patience and family solidarity were abnormally high. Lee Ho-sun diagnosed, "The daughter has become more of an adult than her mother."
Meanwhile, the daughter expressed, "If given the chance, I want to leave," but hesitated, fearing the burden would fall entirely on her mother. Lee Ho-sun firmly stated, "She's not a daughter who would turn her back. She has devoted herself through elementary, middle, and high school. She's done enough for her family. It's time for her to leave."
Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr