Dr. Laura Call of the Day – Episode: "My Mom Doesn't Have My Back"

Release Date: February 2, 2025

In this insightful episode of "Dr. Laura Call of the Day," hosted by Dr. Laura Schlessinger on SiriusXM Triumph 111, a listener grapples with the intertwining complexities of family relationships and business responsibilities. The episode, aptly titled "My Mom Doesn't Have My Back," delves deep into the challenges of managing rental properties amidst familial discord.

Caller Background

At [00:31], Dr. Laura welcomes Jennifer, the episode's caller, who provides a snapshot of her life. Jennifer owns a large property with two studio rentals, allowing her to stay home and care for her children. She explains, "One of the renters is a female, the other was a male. My sister is friends with the female renter and the male and female renters work together. They work at the same place" ([00:45]).

Initial Conflict

In July, Jennifer encountered her first major conflict when the female renter approached her with issues concerning the male renter at their workplace. Jennifer responded professionally, stating, "I couldn't do anything about them because they were just personal issues" ([01:42]). This response, however, did not sit well with the renter, leading her to inform Jennifer's sister that Jennifer was unwilling to assist, thereby escalating tensions.

Escalation and Eviction

Despite offering the female renter an opportunity to move out without paying July's rent, the situation deteriorated. By October, the renter had failed to pay rent for three consecutive months. Jennifer took decisive action by filing for eviction and securing a court victory. She mentions, "The eviction gets finalized on the 15th this month. So finally I got the... the sheriffs are coming on the 15th, so I can take possession of the property" ([04:16]).

Family Dynamics and Challenges

The complexity deepens with the introduction of Jennifer's sister, who is romantically involved with a man Jennifer disapproves of. This relationship fuels further discord, as Jennifer reveals, "My sister's dating this guy who I don't like because she's. He makes up lies about my husband" ([03:24]). The sister's interference complicates the eviction process and blurs the lines between personal and professional boundaries.

Dr. Laura’s Guidance

Throughout the call, Dr. Laura remains steady, offering no-nonsense advice tailored to Jennifer's predicament:

• Maintaining Professional Boundaries: When Jennifer questions whether she should sever ties with her mother due to perceived lack of support, Dr. Laura asserts, "Your mom does not need to back you up. Your mom does not have to take a position of your support or lack of your support" ([09:51]). She emphasizes the importance of separating business decisions from familial expectations.

• Handling Difficult Family Members: Addressing the sister's meddling, Dr. Laura advises, "Minimize contact with her. Not disconnect, just minimize it. She's a pain in the ass" ([03:44]). This counsel underscores the necessity of limiting interactions with family members who may undermine professional endeavors.

• Staying Firm in Business Decisions: Reinforcing Jennifer's role as a businesswoman, Dr. Laura states, "You're a businesswoman. Don't confuse the two, because your sister did that when she came to you" ([10:07]). She encourages Jennifer to continue acting with professionalism, regardless of emotional pressures from family.

Resolution and Empowerment

By the episode's conclusion, Jennifer gains clarity on how to navigate her intertwined family and business relationships. Dr. Laura's advice empowers her to prioritize her professional responsibilities while managing personal boundaries effectively. The final takeaway emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear distinctions between personal emotions and business decisions to achieve desired outcomes.

Notable Quotes

• Jennifer: "I couldn't do anything about them because they were just personal issues." ([01:42])

• Dr. Laura: "Your mom does not need to back you up. Your mom does not have to take a position of your support or lack of your support." ([09:51])

• Dr. Laura: "You're a businesswoman. Don't confuse the two, because your sister did that when she came to you." ([10:07])

• Dr. Laura: "Minimize contact with her. Not disconnect, just minimize it. She's a pain in the ass." ([03:44])

Key Takeaways

1. Separation of Roles: It's crucial to distinguish between personal relationships and business responsibilities to maintain professionalism and avoid conflicts of interest.

2. Setting Boundaries: Limiting interactions with family members who interfere in business matters can protect the integrity of professional decisions.

3. Assertive Decision-Making: Taking firm actions, such as the eviction process, demonstrates accountability and upholds business standards, even when faced with personal challenges.

4. Empowerment Through Clarity: Seeking external advice, as Jennifer did by calling Dr. Laura, can provide the necessary perspective to navigate complex situations effectively.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners facing similar dilemmas, offering practical solutions and reinforcing the importance of ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility in both family and business contexts.