This isn’t the first time this elderly mother has suffered mistreatment at the hands of her own children.

A Painful Reality of Old Age

A shocking incident occurred in Springfield, Illinois, USA. A 91-year-old woman, identified as Ms. Thompson, was thrown out of her home by her eldest son and his wife, leaving her with no choice but to sleep outside their door. With nowhere to go, she endured the cold night, abandoned by the very people she raised.

Not only did her son and daughter-in-law evict her, but they also tossed out all of her belongings.

According to an arrangement within the family, Ms. Thompson was supposed to live with her eldest son, while her husband stayed with their youngest son. However, for reasons unknown, her eldest son and his wife suddenly forced her out.

The distressing scene was witnessed by concerned villagers, who immediately informed her youngest son. Upon hearing the news, his wife rushed to the house, knocking on the door for over ten minutes before someone reluctantly answered. The response from her in-laws was cold and indifferent—they simply told her to mind her own business.

This wasn’t the first time they had treated their mother this way. According to the younger daughter-in-law, Ms. Thompson had previously been forced to sleep next to the chicken coop.

Authorities Couldn’t Intervene

Following the incident, the family reported the case to the police. However, despite Ms. Thompson claims that she had suffered mistreatment multiple times, the authorities stated that the issue was a private family matter beyond their jurisdiction. They advised the family to resolve it internally.

Unable to bear seeing their mother in such a dire situation, the younger son and his wife decided to take her in and care for her themselves.

A video of the incident spread rapidly on social media, sparking outrage. Many condemned the elder son’s cruelty, while others expressed a harsh reality—one cannot always rely on their children in old age.

How Can Parents Raise Grateful and Filial Children?

The heartbreaking story of Ms. Huang is something no parent ever wants to face. After a lifetime of raising children, every parent hopes for care and support in their later years. But fostering filial piety is a process that begins from childhood.

The environment in which children grow up and the values they learn from their parents significantly shape their character. Parents should not ignore or excuse their children's bad behavior but instead teach them accountability. Instilling gratitude, responsibility, and self-sufficiency from a young age lays the foundation for respect and care in adulthood.

Raising a filial child isn’t as difficult as it seems. The key is for parents to set an example themselves. If children witness their parents neglecting or disrespecting their elders, they are likely to adopt the same attitude. If parents rely on their own parents for financial or emotional support without giving back, their children may develop a sense of entitlement. Only when parents lead by example can they cultivate kindness and respect in their children.

Small Habits That Teach Filial Piety

Parents can start by teaching children simple, everyday acts of respect and kindness, such as:

✅ Greeting elders politely when coming home or leaving
✅ Inviting elders to eat first during meals
✅ Helping grandparents and parents with household chores suitable for their age
✅ Understanding the hardships their parents have gone through
✅ Regularly visiting or calling grandparents to check on them

Over time, these small actions plant the seeds of filial piety in a child’s heart. A child raised with love and respect will grow up to value and care for their parents and grandparents.

A Heartbreaking Reminder

Ms. Huang’s story serves as a painful reminder that love and sacrifice do not always guarantee kindness in return. While no parent should have to fear being abandoned in old age, the reality is that fostering gratitude and filial responsibility is essential from an early stage.

It’s never too late to nurture love and respect within a family, ensuring that no elderly parent has to endure the heartbreak of being unwanted by their own children.