Through A Child's Eyes: Coping as a 12-year-old Carer |Real Families

nly in the UK, there are more than 100k young carers; this is children under 13 who take care of their parents. "Through A Child's Eyes" tells the eye-opening story of children between the ages of 11 and 13 that record their life from their own point of view.
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[@lissettep1219]

God bless these children.. I would hate to make my daughter choose between taking care of me or her dream .. I would find another way just so she could go and live her dream it’s only 10 days .. my heart goes out to all these kids

[@sheilaroberson5345]

I feel so sad for her.

[@hannahlowery5794]

I'm an aide here in America and honestly home aides cost 30 American dollars an hour so for all of the ten days they might not have the money to do it but I also see your point on choosing

[@poppyfield1619]

as someone who works in the caring sector in the UK that child is entitled to 'TIME OFF' social services allow respite care in situations like this where the child can go on a holiday - I don't know why this isn't mentioned here.

[@katiehalbur854]

I was a caregiver to my mom from age 14 but truthfully it was all my life. Bless them.

[@feleciapique9826]

BLESS YOUR HEART KATIE

[@poppyfield1619]

oh Katie how amazing you are! sending love to you😘

[@rebeccamay4969]

2022 UPDATE Maddison is now around 21 and is still playing archery! She is also a barber and has a girlfriend now and is still close with her mum it appears. Ellie is now 20 and her mum unfortunately passed a year after this was filmed and her dad passed a couple of years after (appears to be suicide but not sure). Her brother went to university but I’m not sure what Ellie is doing now. I can’t seem to find anything out about Jacob and Olivia unfortunately.

[@beccabean6496]

How did you find this out?

[@TheSybil47]

Thanks for the update.

[@eoibhomalleytolan2874]

I felt so bad when Maddison didn’t get her steak

[@uwpride]

I pray my son never has to be burdened by me or see me wither away

[@feleciapique9826]

ASHLEY S I AGREE I HAVE ONE GROWN SON AND I HAVE INSTRUCTED HIM TO PUT ME IN A NURSING HOME WHEN AND IF THE TIME COMES I WANT HIM TO SEE ME AS MUCH AS HE CAN BUT I DO NOT WANT TO BURDEN HIM.

[@Sonia-gc8zn]

Nobody wants to be a burden. Above all nobody wants to suffer or be in pain. Are you suggesting that the disabled parent should be put in a nursing home and the child go to live with foster parents?

[@poppyfield1619]

@@Sonia-gc8zn I think she means when she is old

[@Myjourneywmeadow]

Ouch. Although I’m blessed my son is in heaven, and not having to take care of me, as I’m very disabled. I would hope I wouldn’t be a burden on my child. I know I am. But that would kill me if I burdened my own child.

[@casper189]

It made me sad that Madison has gotten used to her mom being not well enough to do things and she kinda just shrugs it off

[@shahwilloughby4603]

Poor Madison. I understand her Mum is sick but give the kid a break for Gods sake. The kid was at a competition and her Mum is hollering at her for a bloody heat pack!!!

[@TheBestCat1290]

Well she is her only carer. I don't know why someone can't come in and take care of her and monitor her and go like they did with my mother

[@lorielindsey1247]

That mother needs to let her daughter follow her dreams but no, she is keeping her from that! Selfish!!

[@sweetiehearts8339]

...

[@mylittletrysten]

I agree, she is NOWHERE as sick as Ellie’s mom and I hate seeing someone refusing to do even the small things for themselves. Being bipolar doesn’t make you incapable of putting a heat pack on yourself. Fibromyalgia is also VERY undiagnosable because it’s based on symptoms the the patient claims, so she could be making herself look sicker. With all of the pills she is taking, I’m sure opiates are in there, and that alone gives her elevated symptoms plus addiction. It’s BAD all around and that little girl is putting her own life on hold for a mother who is NOT even trying to get better. Exercise, is hugely important, and that’s just one idea.

[@eloisedavy7167]

@@mylittletrysten You clearly don't have an understanding of how debilitating fibromyalgia can actually be. The presumption that all chronically ill people are addicted to painkillers is not only wrong but bad.

[@emmaclowes693]

Out of the 3 women Maddison’s mom can get around a bit more and could do a bit more to help her . Poor girl.

[@lucycowpe1113]

Emma Clowes she has fibromyalgia my mum has it

[@adeletoughral4440]

I agree she could push herself more and not have a go at her daughter so much. I've had Fibromyalgia for more years than I can remember. My rotator cuff has gone, my ligaments and tendons all pull and tear and I ask my children for nothing. As long as I can do for myself no matter how painful,then I will. That poor girl has no life.

[@tamvee]

@@adeletoughral4440 same here with my fibromyalgia and lupus. I have tendonopathy in my shoulder and I push through my pain.

[@skypeters3034]

She has a dad too

[@skypie5374]

Ikr

[@jadesavedbygrace2325]

I wonder how many kids in the world are child carers. These kids are so strong. Bless them.

[@yildizozlematesdemir1207]

I've been watching and crying for the last hour and a half! Maddie deserves so much better! I am very angry that people let her mum exploit her. Ellie is so loving, so sweet! It just broke my heart to see her cry. I wish I knew you in person to be at least a little bit of a support. Jacob is so kind, so caring and gentle! It just warmed my heart to see them three smiling in the new home. God bless them all!

[@mattiedyess9817]

That Elle girl is so beautiful! I wish all of these babies a better future. 😔 this has to be so hard on them.

[@poppyfield1619]

Ellie has the weight of the world on her shoulders!! Her dad should be on to social services every day telling them they need a ground floor flat with wheelchair access and a walk in shower!!

[@Hana.Behl-Lecter]

I'm 25 and live alone and these kids run their households better than I do. I hope they all get the help they need and get on okay. They're all amazing kids. I'm sure its horrible for the mothers too.

[@Saavycupcake]

This is why I’m never having kids as an ill person. I already feel like a burden and wouldn’t dare do that to a child. Poor babies. Edit: fibro is the least of my problems. You can pass it to your kids.. I know people w fibro who had kids, and now they’re suffering w it. Stretching and keeping some movement does help fibro. It hurts, but you need to try.

[@saywhaaaaat6464]

I've suffered with mental health myself but when you have kids you get a grip and realise it's not about you anymore

[@makeupbytashaxo]

It’s always sad to me to see people with fibromyalgia, because I have it too, and I know how bad it can hurt. I’m only 22, but Fibro has ruined my life, but I try to stay positive. I’m lucky because I have very supportive family, and I know people have worse.

[@sophiakuhn5173]

Dang documentary is makin’ me all emotional. So proud of theses kiddos. They’re gonna make hard-working, motivated adults!

[@gigismith9454]

Sophia Kuhn so true! But i wish they had a little more time to hang out with her freinds! I understand that she is sick but i think that kids should have a little more time to have fun because childhood is so short! And it gets taken away from you in seconds..

[@alexiaunatural]

@@gigismith9454 we

[@annekalunn8339]

I was carre for my mum who had Parkinson’s dementia

[@jok2553]

These kids are amazing My grandson has been with me for 2 years. He's is my heart and carer. He is scared of losing me. But I remind him I'm not going anywhere soon. He'll be older too. I love him more than myself.

[@uwpride]

“I love him more than myself” Absolutely! That statement totally sums up parenthood ♥️♥️♥️

[@jok2553]

@@uwpride grandparent-hood. His mother chose her bf over her own son. That's how it started. Shame on her.

[@uwpride]

jo K My mother was the same way. It was always various men over her kids; we were a nuisance to her. My grandma raised us. I will be 30 next week and my grandma is still my best friend. I’m grateful she’s been in my life. Haven’t spoken to my mom in years! Your grandson is lucky to have you

[@jok2553]

@@uwpride thank you. He is a great kid. Yep, my daughter missed out on him. My mom never told me she loved me until she was well into the disease of Alzheimer's. My dad was a caring, loving, and gracious man. Total opposites, for sure.

[@jok2553]

Yes. She's something else. Hard to believe, right?

[@jessicaeaton3183]

Watching Ellies mom cry watching her performance had me in instant tears :'(

[@TheBestCat1290]

A twelve year old cant so this. Come on she has a life. The council should be doing something about this. Get a carer or something.

[@poppyfield1619]

there's definitely help available through social services and GP referral in GP surgeries in the UK there are posters on the walls with information about unpaid carers and support services phone numbers, I was reading one last week.

[@shaybatty3785]

The parents want their kids to care for them as they get paid for it!

[@angelalaird5958]

Ellie’s mum breaks my heart

[@madisonthegemini]

The little boy makes me cry he cares so much you can tell 😭❤️

[@poppyfield1619]

and he looks soooo tired😢

[@carolynrolle6305]

8ii

[@charliejeffery4525]

I think Ellie deserves a great big hug because of all she’s been through and seems kind hearted! 💖

[@Beckzmama]

The NHS system is messed up. God bless these children.....I pray their parents get a home care giver

[@elm2908]

Becky and Baby the issue is that the NHS does not receive enough money.

[@beztroska]

exactly, imagine them living in the States, they would be in such dept they would never get out of :(

[@neveralone3044]

they'll be worse off here in america tbh

[@danykasilvernail]

@@beztroska and dcf would put those kids in foster care. Children shouldn't be taking care of sick adults, parents or not.

[@jessicaeaton3183]

maddies mom is over medicated!!!! She seems to really like and feed on the attention Ellie is such a beautiful young girl! Jacob and his twin are so amazing!

[@RUU__8]

Phlip74 wtf

[@tamvee]

@@Its_Faith_617 my fibromyalgia and lupus is extremely painful, debilitating and I suffer every minute of the day. But I'll be f***ed if I make my kids look after me. I am still able to move around and do what's needed as a parent. It may hurt a lot but I do it and don't complain to my kids. I lay in bed at night in tears from the pain of all my joints throbbing and bones aching. But my kids will not suffer because of it. They aware of it but that's it. I downplay it. Not their problems to deal with.

[@Its_Faith_617]

Wednesday I agree and I’m so sorry you suffer with that sending well wishes and prayers for your healing

[@univerzaltruth6481]

Where's your medical degree? If you had one you'd sued. Fibro can be crippling. Do better

[@lizreszke6183]

@@Its_Faith_617 Completely agree.

[@RBrown-zl6wo]

Breaks my heart for these kids.

[@glabella2331]

It’s hard not to be frustrated with these parents, these poor kids have had their childhoods taken away from them.

[@carollothian4583]

Maddie is such a cool kid with the weight of a team of carers on her back. I wish her and the other children a happy successful healthy life. Your all going to be phenomenal adults ❤

[@puppies4everthefam233]

I pray for all the children who have to care for their parents. I know it’s not an easy thing. I don’t have any children or any family close by except my mom, stepdad and husband. My parents are elderly and my husband is working. I am currently in the hospital and I’ve been here for 2 weeks. Unfortunately it’s my 3rd admission since the end of Aug. Each time I’m in here for at least two weeks. I would hate for my children (if I had any) to see me like this.

[@ghosted4966]

My mom that passed away was on some drugs (not too much) and before a was born my older brother had to always remind her not to smoke and I miss her soooo much❤❤❤

[@MillsRepDom]

This is heartbreaking. And I’m sure the parents face so much guilt over their kids caring for them. What mature and responsible kids. I wish they had more support. 😔

[@elainebird58]

Now I see through their eyes, my son helps me because of major back issues, which I was denied surgery because opening me up can cause my whole back to crumble, I pay my sons way, because this health care in the US, just about don't want to do anything...he cooks, cleans laundry and helps me with my bottom half of my body ...I appreciate him even more..THANKFUL he's 19...

[@skypeters3034]

That boy is so sweet and in tune with his mothers pain

[@malajm84]

Madison needs a proper family with her mother getting visitations, the twins need a live in aide ....all the kids are absolutely amazing

[@heatherwheeler3242]

⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸8⁸⁸⁸8⁸8⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸⁸8⁸8⁸⁸⁸⁸8⁸⁸888⁸⁸8⁸8⁸⁸⁸⁸8⁸⁸⁸⁸88⁸8⁸⁸8⁸8⁸⁸8⁸⁸88⁸⁸⁸⁸88888⁸88⁸8⁸88⁸8⁸888⁸

[@charlie2.048]

Agreed.

[@florence1395]

I think all these children are a credit too their parents! Bless them all, but the pressure being put on Maddie is far far too much..............The mother has fibromyalgia, I have had it for over three decades & my children are older than Maddie & I make myself independent & would never ever treat my child like the way she treats Maddie, it’s not necessary. I get it that she has this Bi~polar, but with medication she could function quite well. Therapy & gentle exercise would really help her & give Maddie some time for herself, Maddie desperately needs & deserves a life!

[@lorielindsey1247]

GG agree 100%!!! Absolutely selfish! She can do way more for herself than she is doing! She’s keeping her daughter from following her dreams by telling her at the end of the video that if she has a bad day that she can’t manage without her. Shame on that mother!!

[@shaz8486]

I agree, I have had fibromyalgia since the mid nineties...26 years.....but I make myself stay as active as I can, I have degeneration in the spine, had one knee replacement, spine has to be fused, psoriatic arthritis, yes hubby helps me but I don’t sit down and make him do everything...they have proven that gentle exercises help, also diet makes a huge difference.......I really feel for Maddie, My children and hubby may have missed out on some outings due to my inability to walk really long distances back then, but they never had to do what Maddie does, I always looked after our children no matter how much pain I was in .....with age it has gotten worse ....those poor kids they should be given help.....it’s too much for them, they are still kids and should be allowed to be kids. The government should be providing some sort of carer assistance......I know it’s hard I cared for mother in-law for four years, the last two with dementia and mini strokes......it was not easy and I was an adult not a child .....so sad ... 😢😢😢

[@poppyfield1619]

@@lorielindsey1247 I agree. The mother and daughter have a co dependent relationship which is very unhealthy - Maddie's mother has put all the responsibility on her poor daughter's shoulders which is unacceptable.

[@zarifegashi3064]

Lorie Lindsey c

[@shaybatty3785]

Exactly fibromyalgia does no damage. She acts like it’s going to kill her.

[@ladybird7598]

I am watching from Singapore.I felt that before but for a short while with my mom. And I wish for the children all for the better life.Believe me there's no regrets.

[@chelafraga4156]

God bless these children 🙏❤️

[@RomanticcLoverr]

Ugh I couldn't imagine taking care of my mom or dad like this, and watching them wither away. I'm 12 and honestly I'm in no rush to grow up but imagine having to do all of this a a child! It's like adulting when you shouldn't be. These families will be in my prayers 🙏🏾

[@trinitygarrison2137]

sometimes even when you're not an adult you have to grow up and take care of your parents because they need you no matter how long or how much they taking care of you for the past years you've been alive they deserve to be taken care ofand I don't get how you can't imagine taking care of your parents because if your parents something happened to them and they needed some to take care of them you wouldn't do it I mean sometimes you have to do that in life life isn't fair and you're going to have to learn that I help take care of my parents every day because I love them and I know how much it means to them that I'm here and I do all this and I'm 12

[@Ab17789]

It's not the choice of the child to grow up quickly, it's either help your parent or leave them to help themselves.

[@jaunabeeks3572]

@@trinitygarrison2137 and Abbie children do not have a choice of being born. That being said, the parents are supposed to take care of those children they decided to bring into this world. This is to much to ask of any child, it isn't fair to ask them to grow up and be the adult and to rob them of an already to short childhood. I'm shocked at both of your responses to trinityneminor, who absolutely sounds like a 12 year old kid going on 30 in her own right.

[@jaunabeeks3572]

TrinityInEMinor, I absolutely agree with you. I have 3 grown daughter's, and 2 little boys still in grade school, and I can't imagine burdening them with my care, I mean burdening the grown ones or the young ones, EVER! It steals from thier life, and it's not right. You sound very mature for your age, an old soul?

[@purrroki]

with all this dedication and loyalty, these kids are gonna do so great in life

[@ath3na.64]

These kids are stronger than so many adults. It breaks my heart seeing what they have to go through, the children and parents both. I am disabled myself and also have a disabled mother with fibro and rheumatoid arthritis; there is a lot she can't do that I help her with but there also days where we're both in so much pain that were just useless for the day. I couldn't imagine how much stress and responsibility those children feel every day. 💚

[@itsmahsa2541]

Ellie is such a sweetheart. I wish I could give her a hug.

[@thehoneypotcharity]

Such an inspiration! 🥰

[@tigresmom5654]

I've seen this before. I can't believe there are over 100,000 kids taking care of their parents. That's huge! And sad.

[@myroslav6873]

I wonder if this statistics includes only underage children, or adult children too.

[@MySardarji]

Those kids are so grown up and deeply thoughtful.

[@samanthagthenatsarim5018]

You know, all these talk shows are so quick to bring in the Danielle Bregoli's of the world Why not bring on some amazing Heroes like these little ones and HELP THEM and THEIR FAMILIES!!? Why not show the world What children are really supposed to be like with their parents? You young ones are the REAL STARS in my book!

[@jello0997]

It’s not the talk shows fault.... it wasn’t dr phill fault that Danielle became “famous” he was just doing his job and the rest of the internet made her “famous”

[@charliejeffery4525]

Ellie has such a heart of gold! What a beautiful soul inside an out ❤️

[@thehoneypotcharity]

Thank you for sharing your story and raising awareness for young carers 💛

[@jedjones5406]

God Bless all the children for caring for their mothers. They are so caring and loving

[@sufficientgrace9921]

Beautiful, beautiful children ! My word they shine !

[@lesliejanicke2250]

I live in the US & have Fibromyalgia too, I have good days & some good days. But I try to find something to motivate me everyday to get up & get around, I find even if I hurt if I don’t get up & move around it seems I get worse,so chin up & think happy thoughts & even if it just means you get up you did that.

[@longwhitemane]

THANK YOU! At least you TRY to do things for yourself, and the answer for Fibro is NOT laying around. I believe Maddie's mum is plane Bipolar 2 & faking the rest. My mum was the same way; it's like watching my own childhood.

[@lesliejanicke2250]

Long White Mane sweetie, here in the states when your diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the first thing the docs do is to send to a counselor to see if it’s depression causing the pain or if it’s the pain causing depression. At first I was upset about it, but after thinking about it , it made a lot of sense. It helps the docs treat you, I happen to have the pain causing my problems so my counselor & I meet once a month for coffee & talking & laughing. & she actually has helped me in a lot of ways with the most important part she talked to my kids & husband on how they can help me too. I’m sure there’s days you get upset at your mom so if nothing else see if you can sit yourself up with an appointment with her doc just to let him/her to know how it’s affecting you also. It’s just one of those diseases that affects the whole family. I’m here also if you need me.

[@longwhitemane]

@@lesliejanicke2250 FYI, I am 55 & I cope with Bipolar 2 w/psychic features, diagnosed in 1994. I take my meds every day as ordered. Growing up my mom played head games with the family and her doctors that made Machiavelli look like a preschooler. She died in 1993, so it's a little late to be scheduling a consultation appointment with my mother's doctor. I have no problems with psych evals that determine if a illness is psychosomatic or not. I simply call them like I see them, and it appears to me Maddie's mom is trying to pull a fast one on that little girl.

[@shelbycarr4682]

HA! I knew it!! I kept seeing the way Madison's mom was behaving and it reminds me of my own mother. The behavior is so similar I could have mistaken them for each other. Only difference is the accents lol.

[@feleciapique9826]

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THESE FAMILIES BUT THESE POOR CHILDREN I CRY AS I TEXT ITS A BURDEN THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BARE I KNO THEY LOVE THEIR MOMS WITH ALL THEIR HEARTS BUT IT'S JUST SO SAD AND SO MUCH RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CHILD.

[@yikesroxi]

i have no idea how i found this channel, but these kids are such angels 🥺

[@arzuaksen9751]

Wonderful kids, God Bless them and I hope they have a happy healthy future...

[@calimntgirl34]

Nope.....Madison's mom should have learned how to cope without burdening her daughter. It's INCREDIBLY selfish and unfair to let a child wait on you hand and foot and rob them of their childhood....It makes me want to weep for that girl....

[@skeptigal2785]

When will she never NOT need Maddie waiting on her hand and foot? This could go on another 40 years (and Maddie's talent will go to waste).

[@charlie2.048]

And the fact that the grandad is allowing it also disgusts me.

[@elliebulteel3107]

This only really shows the struggles of young carers with physically disabled parents. I’m a young carer for my mum who has borderline personality disorder which is really difficult. With this lockdown, I had to go shopping with my mum the other day and they refused me to go in with my mum because they’ve heard “lots of stories like that”. She actually started to panic in the shop and barely got any shopping at all because she couldn’t find anything. It’s like going up to a physically disabled person and saying “you can’t take your wheelchair into the shop there’s not enough space”. It’s removing someone’s aid. Not ok!

[@charlie2.048]

Maddie's mom has BPD and bipolar.

[@indigoandbrown]

Madison’s mother is selfish. I hope she doesn’t sabotage Madison’s aspirations.

[@ilovethehungergames467]

@@Its_Faith_617 she's selfish

[@charlie2.048]

@@Its_Faith_617 The two are not mutually exclusive. She is both sick and selfish.

[@stillirise9705]

I felt for all of the , bit the disappoint on maddie's face, not being able to go to dinner. Surely the mother could have sucked it up just for once

[@shaybatty3785]

She absolutely could have, pain doesn’t kill you, especially fibromyalgia.

[@univerzaltruth6481]

@@shaybatty3785 Given you don't know her full diagnosis, you have no idea what going on. Pain can cripple.

[@jenjones90]

Or had a rest whilst maddie and her grandad went to dinner

[@charlie2.048]

@@jenjones90 Yeah that's what got me. She could have let Maddie and her Grandad go to dinner but it seems like she is making them cater to her every whim. Like yes, she is in pain. That sucks. But there is nothing dangerous about fibro that would mean she couldn't stay on her own for a few hours in bed with the hotel TV on and some room service while Maddie got her steak.

[@emberdt7998]

Fibro is caused by the brain. Not joints. The pain can be everywhere including joints.

[@munbeam1]

Yes but most people without really being educated on this condition think it's a joint issue. My mother swears it's just her joints. Also, the UK healthcare system seems to give out meds like its candy instead of educating the public.

[@PigmentGhost]

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes muscle, joint, and bone pain and tenderness, fatigue, and many other symptoms. Not the brain the body.

[@florence1395]

Ember D&T Having had fibromyalgia for three decades & had multiple MRI’s & CT scans it actually must be diagnosed by Rheumatologist! Of which I have had several times. And so much more is involved. You have a sensitivity to pain, burning 🥵 in different parts of body, headaches & IBS with a uncontrollable temperature, one minute burning hot & next minute cold with cold sweats, so annoying! There are many issues, one is walking, plus many more issues.............Then you can have a rare but good day! Downfall to this is people look at you as if you are lying about fibromyalgia!

[@emberdt7998]

@@PigmentGhost the pain is in your body but caused by the brain

[@liddlekiddle1962]

@@florence1395 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2003 and you really described it well!

[@louiekat4477]

Pood madison, her mum is so manipulative (a trait used to diagnose BPD). Her mum also isnt very informed about fibro either (which I also have). Fibro is a nervous system condition that causes the brain to believe there is pain, and to over react to pain. joints can be effected, but its not a ligament centred condition.

[@florence1395]

Liarna Kate Three decades I’ve suffered with fibromyalgia, there isn’t one type! There are many issues & ailments & fibromyalgia comes in many forms!

[@noble3006]

Bro that is not a thing used to do bpd....take the cereal box psych degree somewhere else

[@HeyLetsTalkAboutIt]

What amazing kids!!! 💙

[@ronswartzanonymous5573]

This isn't right. A 12 year old is not only raising themselves but being a nurse as well. There life would be easier if they lived on there own and had a job but that's not allowed.

awesome video

[@neeshapatterson2730]

These kids are amazing! They’ll be good mummies when there older ❤️

[@cortisol_induced_coma]

They're all so mature, I wish them the best :(

[@Quinn91202]

Will there every be any updates on all the kids and their situations ?

[@sarapatrick2143]

Im sorry but i know tons of people who've been clinically diagnosed with bipolar 2 and bpd. She shouldn't be relying on her child that much. The people i know manage to work pay bills and take care of themselves/ their families. I struggle with severe anxiety and depression i could never imagine relying on a child for my every need

[@susanr3933]

I see a lot of sadness in Madison's eyes but I also see anger. That poor girl should not be caring for her mother all alone! I can't even imagine being her! She loves her mother so much but you can tell that she is not happy with her life at all. She has a lot of repressed feelings which sooner or later will surface! It's a shame there is no other family that could take care of her mom and help her! Maybe her mother should go into Institution for a while to give her a break! This task to me quite unbelievable because here in America, her mother would be in some form of Institution at least from time to time for treatment and also to be around other people in similar situations that could help her and would understand her and be kind to her. In America children do not take care of their sick parents and yet I do think it is so honorable of this young woman to do this but at the same time wouldn't it be nice if she could go visit her mother and see her mother being taken care of? I have known people like her mother and when they really are in a bad state they submit themselves to a clinic or Institution or even many hospitals in America have designated floors where people who suffer from her mom's condition will admit themselves from time to time and usually come home not cured but in much better shape then they were when they were admitted! Visitors always welcome and in many cases can even stay by the patient side for the weekend. Do they not have these places in England I believe that's where they live?

[@Beckzmama]

Awwwwh I love Jacob

[@slushied]

It's cool to see that even though Maddison is a typical kid, but she still has things she loves. Example given: her One Direction poster.

[@leogirl9290]

I see Madison's mother as abusing her! And the grandfather should be putting a stop to it! The healthcare in the UK should be stepping up. I feel so bad for poor Madison.....

[@charlie2.048]

Seriously. Like why was she calling Maddie away from her archery to put a heat pack on her neck when the grandad was RIGHT THERE.

[@skypeters3034]

I was balling those last few minutes while her mum was crying at the show. I’m balling

[@nathalie9329]

This is so wrong... children below 16 should not have to care for their parents. How is it possible that they are just left to fight on their own?!

[@jewelhaines8842]

This is so sad on so many levels... These poor kids are being robbed of their childhoods.. And the parents are suffering too. They need better home health care.

[@Smellslikewoodsmokeandrain]

Jacob is such a darling

[@dianaperez8230]

I have fibromyalgia too I work thru it if you don’t you joints stiff up you have to move

[@lynneanthony9172]

Same here.

[@shalienahchaney2038]

That's what happened to my cousin after he stopped receiving physical therapy

[@makeupbytashaxo]

diana perez Moving doesn’t do anything for me. Just makes the pain worse. I’m going on 4 years of pain and I’m just 22. My fibro pain isn’t joint pain though. It’s my entire back, neck and shoulders. It’s getting worse. Anytime I do anything it hurts. Chiro helps my neck but nothing helps my back

[@liddlekiddle1962]

@@makeupbytashaxo i completely agree with you and my pain is in my neck, shoulders and back, too. the pain never goes away and gets a lot worse after doing anything physical.

[@MsSamanatha]

I took care of my mama for years and I had no life none I finally had to ask for help its not easy

[@denapickett374]

I feel bad for the kids it’s SOO much stress

[@thewyrdtwist8213]

Ellie is so mature for her age

[@samantha-makalialeonard1558]

Would love an update on these beautiful children

[@allyg0767]

This was taken from a comment made several times on this post ….. Ellie is now 21 and her mum unfortunately passed away a year after this was filmed and the father passed away not long after. Maddison is also around 21 and is still active in her archery. She also has a girlfriend now but I couldn’t find out anything about the twins unfortunately. 😊

[@Beckzmama]

Madison's mom thou 😣😣😣😣

[@eyewuenemurphy-akpieyi2623]

Is there a system that provides emotional support to these children?

[@poppyfield1619]

yes! social services have support networks

[@Ab17789]

Some council areas have young careers services that help them and go into their school and take them on residencal trips

[@Sophie-pk1wk]

@@poppyfield1619 they arent much help

[@Sophie-pk1wk]

@@poppyfield1619 they always help the parents but the kids arent helped

[@nathalie9329]

Makes me so sad that maddies mum says that borderline is what she got and what she is and there is no way to get better. That is not true. You may not be able to heal it but it can be treated and you can get better and learn to live with it. You may have borderline but it doesn't define you. You are not your illness. If you rest on your diagnosis you give it power and you will never get better. You need to want it in order to truely get better and it really is possible. It does take willpower though and it certainly is a fight. But so worth it. Your kid should not need to suffer the consequences of your illness...

[@skeptigal2785]

Clearly Maddie's mom likes controlling her with her "illness." She's not about to give that up voluntarily.

[@kymh4357]

All these kids who are being little adults are always going to have the memory of thier mum's being sick, with the expection of Ellie. Is there no children's service to step in and help these kids be kids? Maddie really needs a break and a break.

[@flachi32]

I am trying to find the name of a documentary I watched from around 2003-2005 about a mother in rehab and her daughter going into care. There is a scene where they are reunited for a day a the seaside. I think it was on BBC but I have had no luck tracking it down. I am referring to this documentary during a micro teach in a few days!

[@cecilycoleman6396]

u kids are amazing i cant image having to do that

[@cheesecakfatboy7229]

Fell Sorry youMadison Get well soon Madison I hope your mum get better god bless soon and madison Look after your mum

[@makeupselfmua1744]

I saw this a while ago... is not new!i saw it on barcroft in 2018 but i suspect it was done years ago! 🤔🤔🤔 very interesting doc! Also i have fibro and Lupus and i dont take opioids 🥴🥴🤔

[@ButterflySimmer]

I got a feeling it about 2011-2013 because of the 1 direction poster as the beginning.

[@makeupselfmua1744]

Butterfly Simmer mu daughter say the same thing! Because she loved One Direction!

[@makeupselfmua1744]

Butterfly Simmer mu daughter say the same thing! Because she loved One Direction!

[@OneCatShortOfCrazy]

From what I could find out, Maddison in now 21 (in 2021) and kept up with her archery up until 2017, which is the last record I could find of her competing. I hope she is doing well!

[@coopsevy5664]

In the U.S we have home nurses that can come in and is now paid for by medical so why aren't these children getting help to take care of there Mums? Does the UK have these resources?

[@sophiasgaming3301]

Robin Adams we do have it its complicated because in the uk u need to be over a certain age to be looked after by a home nurse and it costs a lot and it sucks

[@TheArmybrat12]

sophias gaming see in the USA age doesn’t matter if a doctor signs off that it’s medically necessary to have a nurse/carer in home. Now they’ll only pay for so many hours a day/week but still

[@poppyfield1619]

@@sophiasgaming3301 GP referral will help get the care services put in place - help is out there.

[@Ab17789]

There are services but they are stretched because they help the elderly and the disabled so they can only help for 20 minutes so kids often have to help when the helpers aren't there.

[@coopsevy5664]

@@Ab17789 for real. Omg why isn't there money placed aside from tax payers for this?

[@cherylxavier1123]

There is a network of support available in the uk for these families and young carers. The issue is, having the knowledge in where and how to access the support is a minefield. X

[@poppyfield1619]

you are right..GP referral is the best start to access services x

[@Ab17789]

Poppy Field schools also refer you to the services.

[@poppyfield1619]

@@Ab17789 ahh that's good to hear

[@skeptigal2785]

You probably also have to have a legitimate physical illness; I don't think you get them for meanness/personality disorders... Why Ellie's mom has help and Maddie's doesn't.

[@AMJ7788]

Madison is in my prayers.... 😥

[@familyiseverything1617]

Wow ..

[@amandapidgley]

As the niece of Suzanne I just wanted to comment and say Ellies Dad did not commit suicide, he died from a medical condition, Ellie and Ben have been through enough without people speculating!!

[@RandomUser211]

Kids aren’t personal cares. You should understand that before you have children

[@ashleighrolfe7113]

Anyone have an update of Ellie and her mum? I think this episode actually came out in 2014 in the uk.

[@am5783]

Did you find an update by any chance?

[@ashleighrolfe7113]

@@am5783 no one replied so no I haven’t got any update on this story

[@rebeccamay4969]

Ellie is now 20 and unfortunately her mother passed around a year after this was filmed. Her dad also passed a couple of years after (cause unknown but it appears to be suicide).

[@crystalblue3842]

That's a mature young girl

[@lunalovedraw3783]

Poor thing...

[@LabNYorkie]

I chose not to have children because my illness could be passed down to offspring. I couldn't live with saddling my children with this kind of pain and exhaustion and kids deserve to be kids. It broke my heart not to be a mom. But, seeing these kids helps me be more sure that I made the right decision. Jacob is such a sweet, compassionate child. Maddie's mom doesn't just have a physical illness. BPD is extremely difficult to treat because, often, the patient is manipulative. I live with pain every minute of my life, I've lost a lot to my illness. But, I don't want or expect anyone to wait on me and she could have let the dog out so she didn't have an accident in the house. Maddie's mother's behavior seems to be attention seeking. That poor girl will have a lifetime of no real credit or appreciation for all she does.

[@skeptigal2785]

The other two mums are legitimately physically impaired, but Maddison needs to be taken out of that home if she's to have a life. Mum's sick, but not that way. When was this made; any update?

[@TessBla]

Anyone have any updates on these families? Social media’s? Love to hear how they are 💖

[@rebeccamay4969]

Ellie is now 20 and her mum unfortunately passed a year after this was filmed and her dad passed not long after. Maddison is around 21 and is still playing archery and I believe has a girlfriend now. I can’t seem to find out anything about the twins unfortunately!

[@jenjones90]

@@rebeccamay4969 oh gosh...she lost both her parents at such a young age ☹

[@millisagable1318]

I have fibermylogia. Ik how it feels

[@francinelaurin7779]

"the average age (for children carers) is 12 yrs. old" ..which is when my eldest started making household decision ..am bedridden with fibro ...at its worst fibro is so painful And debilitating ..I find this piece of info revealing ..after her birth is when I started going downhill ..fibro and childbirth = declline? 😳😬🥺 ..moi, Canada 🇨🇦