A California psychologist is deeply saddened by the 'toxic' family drama of a teenage patient who shared their story on Reddit.

The young man on Reddit has received over 11,000 reactions to the contentious family situation he shared on social media just a day ago, with a clinical psychologist telling Planet Chronicle Digital on Friday that she feels "heartbroken" by the "profoundly troubling" personal drama described in the post.

The 16-year-old teenager, who lost his mother to cancer, is currently facing a conflict between himself, his father, and his father's new wife, who brought her own three young children to the household, over the division of responsibilities within the home.

"The teenager on the Reddit page AITA, using the username "New-Potato5893," wrote that they have been making their own lunches for school since they were 11 years old, when their mother was sick with cancer."

My dad refuses to give me lunch money for school, stating that he won't allow it, even though my mom has already given me permission to eat outside school, and he would have to pay for it.

I make them," the teenager said, "I work part-time and started paying for the ingredients I use in my lunches.

Two years ago, my dad got married and his wife has three kids who are currently 5, 7, and 8 years old.

For a year, the teen stated that his dad and stepmother wanted him to make all four lunches. They suggested that if he was making his own, he should also make lunch for his "siblings" to save their mother time and simplify the process.

He explained, "I use the term 'siblings' because they are not my siblings."

My dad's wife was shocked when I said, 'No,' and she called me out for only making things for myself. She said it was crazy that I didn't want to make a few things for my 'siblings' too.

The teenager wrote, "I buy my own dinner stuff now and make my own. Now they're calling me out for doing that."

"My dad's wife didn't make lunches for her kids on several occasions to try and make me relent. Their teachers ended up feeding them and writing to her about it."

My dad and his wife could do something else earlier if I made dinner for all four of us, as they had suggested.

Several times, my dad's wife didn't make lunches for her kids in an attempt to make me give in. As a result, their teachers fed them and wrote to her about it. She was extremely angry and asked me if I felt ashamed.

He also said, "I told her that it's her responsibility to take care of her kids, not mine. I also suggested she talk to my dad if she needs help with feeding her kids because it's not my job. She said if Dad won't take care of me, he won't take care of her kids. I shrugged her off."

The teenager stated that Monday was a significant day in the situation. Alone for several hours at home, they prepared a delicious dinner. While eating, the teenager's stepmother and her children returned, hungry, and confronted them, asking if they had made dinner for the kids.

He continued, "I refused. She insisted that I make amends by preparing lunch for them on Tuesday. I refused again. She insulted me and accused me of being selfish and uncaring because I won't help her feed her children, despite being a good-hearted person."

"She really has no reason to think I owe her anything."

The teen explained to her that it's not their job to be a family and that her husband is not a good father to his own child. She also highlighted how her only interactions with the child were attempts to shift responsibility onto her, so she has no reason to expect anything from her.

Which of course led her to calling me all kinds of things, including an a--hole.

He inquired if he was wrong for not preparing food for his dad's wife's three young children, and the platform users unanimously deemed him "not the jerk."

Planet Chronicle Digital contacted the original poster for additional information and also sought the opinion of a psychologist.

Dr. Kathy Wilkerson, a clinical psychologist in California who specializes in relationship issues, expressed her heartbreak over a child's significant loss and neglect at a young age in an email to Planet Chronicle Digital on Friday.

"It is not the responsibility of a child to care for other children in the house."

"During a family crisis like a parent's serious illness, an 11-year-old should be nurtured and protected. The neglectful behavior displayed by the father, especially during such a painful time, is profoundly troubling."

Neglecting to provide basic needs like lunch would have compounded the trauma and potentially caused severe emotional harm if the father couldn't address the child's emotional needs or help them process their grief after their mother's passing.

The child, who is now 16, is being pressured to prepare meals for the entire household, including other children and adults, and is expected to pay for the costs associated with those meals. This is entirely unacceptable and causing distress to the psychologist.

It is not the duty of a child to take care of other children in the house. The adults should be responsible for looking after the children, not the other way around. The adults in this household are behaving irresponsibly, and putting such responsibilities on a child is emotionally abusive.

She observed, "The original poster's resilience and ability to set boundaries despite challenging circumstances impressed her."

"I send him a very big hug and I'll make him a sandwich any day."

Although it's unfortunate that the teen must complete this task within his family situation, it is reassuring to know that he has the support of friends and teachers.

The teenager admitted that he has been able to rely on friends and others for support. He also stated, "The reason I feel bad about this is because the little kids are the ones who suffer from this whole situation, and I know it's not their fault."

The father and stepmother are questionable and potentially harmful in this situation, not the OP.

"Your father should be providing food for you. That is his responsibility."

I hope things improve for this child. I'll give him a big hug and make him a sandwich anytime he wants.

In the top "upvoted" comment on the post, a person on Reddit stated that the family is in a "toxic" situation and should all be "in therapy." However, the original poster responded by stating that therapy won't fix anything because they are not a real family. The original poster explained that their father has not acted like a family member for years and their stepmother has never acted like they were an actual family. She simply expected it to be that way and believed that a family connection would magically appear.

She knew she was marrying a sh---- dad, and that made it impossible for her to be someone I would want or accept into my family.

Another responder to the drama offered advice and support to the teen.

"Your dad's girlfriend does not sound any better of a parent than your dad."

"Your dad should be feeding you, as it is his responsibility. You are not responsible for feeding his girlfriend's children. This commenter wrote that your dad's girlfriend does not seem to be a better parent than your dad."

It seems like the best course of action for you to focus on preparing for your future. You may find comfort and support from teachers or other staff at school who can assist you emotionally.

The commenter also said, "You are an independent and resilient young man who has done well in standing up for yourself. While your education is important, your immediate day-to-day well-being is what is vital."

"The world is a gentler place outside of that house."

It is recommended that you speak with your school counselor about your dad's refusal to provide you with lunch money and dinner, as he has a legal obligation to do so. The counselor will monitor your situation and may contact CPS if necessary, which could ultimately be beneficial for all of you children.

Another person echoed the same sentiment: "It's unacceptable that you have to pay for your food at 16. You should reach out to other family members who can assist you or offer you a place to stay. If you don't have any family members to turn to, speak with someone at school about your situation."

That house is a harsh environment.

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