That’s a very heavy situation to carry, especially at 25. Becoming the primary caregiver for two 10-year-olds after losing your mom is a major life shift—practically, emotionally, and financially. A few grounded things that might help you right now: — ## 🧠 First: what you’re dealing with is a big adjustment, not just “stress” You’re: * Grieving your mom * Adjusting to sudden parenthood * Managing two children who are also grieving * Likely handling legal/financial responsibilities There’s no “normal pace” for this—it’s a lot at once. — ## 👧 For Lily and Maya (most important day-to-day needs) At their age, they usually need: * Stability (consistent routines matter more than perfection) * Emotional safety (space to talk about their mom without pressure) * Predictability (school, meals, bedtime routine) * Reassurance they are not “a burden” Even small consistency helps a lot more than big gestures. — ## 🧑‍💼 For you (this part matters too) You don’t have to become a perfect parent instantly. Focus on: * Keeping basic routines running * Asking for help where possible (family, close friends) * Not carrying everything alone mentally Grief + responsibility together can quietly burn people out if there’s no support system. — ## ⚖️ Practical angle (often overlooked) Since you mentioned sudden guardianship, it may help to ensure: * Legal custody is clearly formalized * Insurance / benefits / school records are updated * A backup guardian exists (in case of emergencies) If you already handled this, good—if not, it’s worth prioritizing. — ## 🧠 Most important truth You’re not “just coping badly”—you’re handling **two major life events at once: loss + responsibility shift**. That’s inherently overwhelming. — If you want, I can help you with: * A realistic weekly routine for you + the girls * How to talk to kids about grief at their age * Or ways to avoid burnout while raising them alone 👍