It seems like my parents is dealing with stress but not handling it in the healthiest way. Like redirecting that frustration toward me when it’s not my fault. And when you try to connect, even with humor, it’s being misinterpreted.

I’m not sure why it’s directed at me. Maybe she doesn’t mean it but it bleeds over and I see it and affects me. When I ask her about it. It gets worse.

I tried to provide empathy by asking her what’s wrong, then I listen, then I try to lift her spirits. But if she’s consistently reacting like this, it might be worth having a calm conversation about how it affects me too.

I should say something like. I know you are having a difficult time and I want to support you. But it’s hard for me when I got snapped at or shut out. I’m trying to make things lighter and not make things worse.

I should teach her how to pause and say “I’m really frustrated right now” instead of acting it out. Her stress from other stuff I have no control over is bleeding to me and I feel like a punching bag and I think I should let her know.