Over-demanding Step-Dad?

Question

My mother left my step-dad, I have helped him get on SSI, Medicaid, Foodstamps, and AARP.

I am MORE than willing to help him out, but how do I tell him he calls to much on the phone? He calls several times a day, while I am working online on my business, and tells me lists of everything he needs my hubby to get him. lol

I find it rather irritating, though I DO love him.

What is a NICE way to tell him to make a list, then call me ONE time about it.

Thanks In Advance

Answer 1

Hi there !!!

I find it wonderful that you are helping your step-dad!!

It sounds to me like he feels lonely, maybe even depressed, I would help him address this issue, have a heartfelt conversation with him, let him know you are concerned about him. You could even go to the doctor with him and see that he gets the proper medical attention I believe he needs.

Now , the way I would approach this would be to tell him in a loving way, smiling when speaking on the phone ( it does make a difference ) if you are busy,that you are in the middle of something and that if everything is ok with him ( no emergency ) you will get back with him at such and such an hour, and please keep your promise and call him.

You may have to wean him little by little, and if you are not busy, busy in your home office, talk to him, just keep it short and sweet, this would help him if he were to be depressed.

I would get him a pet, for company, this helps so much.

You could even call him yourself during the day and ask him how is he,and if he needs anything when you are not that busy, this way you can check up on him, make him feel special, and he might then not call you as much.

Try to schedule with him a time during the day if possible, where you guys can talk, but this I would do little by little, so he does not feel you are casting him out of your life.

When people are lonely they tend to cling on to those who they feel safe with, loved.

God bless you for being such a loving and caring human being.

Love light and peace

Answer 2

Is he an eldelrly man or an invalid. If so, he may be in need or he may be lonely. If he is an older guy, speak to someone at an agency for senior citizens in your community. Maybe they can get him a caretaker or suggest a place that he can mingle with people his own age. It also could be that he is beginning to experience dementia and does not have the capacity to remember. You should talk to his doctor about this.

In the meantime, tell him that your boss is giving you a hard time about all the personal phone calls. Then provide him with a large notepad and a pen. Attach it to the refrigerator or next to the phone. Tell him you will call him every Tuesday and Thursday to find out what is on his list.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I think you are already being very nice and helpful to him.
A one time list is good......however do not let him take advantage of you because you love him...
He must understand that you have a life too!
I commend for being so kind to him!!!

Answer 4

Tell him straight out...Do you think you could write a list and say around 330 give me a call and let me know what you want. Its been really hectic here, and i'd appreciate it if you could minimize your calls, I as it interupts my work...