Is anyone dealing with very irresponsible, incapable or needy parent(s)? Serious answers please.?

Hello, I am feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment because my parents are so needy. They got divorced almost 20 years ago and are both single at the moment, and do not speak to each other, and the rest of the family does not speak to them either, in fact they have no real friends because they are so draining. I love them because they are my parents and I feel a duty to be there for them but I need some time out for myself also. I get telephoned at least 5 to 15 times day, and it's nothing important, just a long speech about what they are doing today (usually nothing), or asking for advice on something really simple. Sometimes I don't answer the phone because I cant handle the stress, but I am afraid to tell them to go away because they have no one else.
Is anyone else in the same situation? Does anyone have any advice? Any good websites? Please help. Thank you

Whoa, no wonder they're crossed off so many people's lists.

Here, I'll brace you while you take a stand, which is the only thing you can do to save your sanity. You need to set firm boundaries on how many times each may call you per day and how long you can talk.

"Mom/Dad, I have things I need to be doing. It's good you can confide in me, but I can't spend so much time on the phone. I'd be glad to talk to you twice a day, for fifteen minutes, but any more than that is just too much."

Easy enough to say--but following up matters a lot, because one or both of them will call you a third time or talk beyond their 15 minutes.

On that third call: "Dad/Mom, you know I don't have time for this. Tell me when you call tomorrow. Love you!" and hang up.

When they run past fifteen minutes: "Sorry, that's all the time I can spare today. Talk to you tomorrow. Take care!" Click.

Don't give them a chance to protest or complain when you sign off, and enforce your new rule consistently unless there's a genuine emergency.

Good luck.

You've already got the answer, don't answer the phone so much. Take one call a day, enjoy the time with them, then let their other calls go to voice mail. They'll eventually realize you are not available to them 24/7 and will stop calling all the time. They'll begin to look forward to getting that one call a day from you ... no matter what, they still love you.

They sound very immature for parents, don't they? Why don't you speak to them about their attitudes and tell them to get a life outside of yours? Surely there's a dating club or a adult meeting place where they can find another partner to take them on, and relieve you of some of their problems? Have a good day.

Sweetie, stop being a parent to the parents, you have to tke time out for yourself and enjoy your life. your parents are old enough and smart enough to work their issues out "no matter they are" it seems that they are both holding on tight to you because you are the one thing in their life that brings the greatest joy to both of them, even if you are not seeing it under all the other things they are throwing at you. try saying something like
I love you both but I cannot cope anymore for the reason you feel are important to you, they will stop, but sometimes parents need pulling up too

Goodluck, use tact and speak softly, stay on track, show them how you want to be treated. Godbless

I grew up with a very controlling mother; in fact I was 50 years old when I finally awakened and separated myself from her for my own salvation.
Their problems are their problems; it is not up to you to try and solve any petty issues they have or keep them occupied when they get board. You're allowing yourself to be used out of guilt ("They're my parents...") and its draining you dry; both emotionally and physically.
You've got to set your priorities; your life, your family? Or catering to them forever? You make the choice.
Its not easy, or particularly pleasant, but if you want to survive as a person, you must make the choice and stick with it. I did. And I am a much happier, healthier indivigual for it.

its great that you love them.YOu do need to set some clear and firm boundariies,Yes you need time for yourself.They sound co-dependant.Give them books on co-dependancy.Confront them.yes it s uncomfortable.conflict can be beneficial and is necessary,

Noo... But i think I am one of them...my poor daughter...lol..t