I grew up really poor. My mom raised my brother and me by herself, on a waitress salary. She got no child support and our father was no where to be found. I used to ask her about taking him to court for child support, and she always said “he would help if he wanted”. Mom would never ask for help. There always was conversation and comments, lectures about “always be able to take care of yourself. Don’t depend on anyone else to do that for you. ” At 15, I became an emancipated minor. I went to school, and worked overnight in a grocery store. I have raised 3 kids, become an RN, run my own business. Every day I hear my mom tell me ” always be able to take care of yourself and your family.” I always have been able to.