You can help your family while keeping your role as their brother. You’ve lost something too, and moving back home doesn’t make you responsible for fixing everyone’s feelings.

Your sisters may be hurt, frightened, or unsure what to expect after your father left. Children sometimes react to parental separation with anger or changes in behavior, as [AACAP’s guidance on children and divorce](https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-and-Divorce-001.aspx) explains. Those reactions don’t necessarily mean they’ve become less mature or are deliberately manipulating people.

Some changes in how you approach them may help:

- Ease up on the lectures. Telling a sister to be mature or explaining what’s wrong with her behavior can sound like you’re claiming authority over her. Try: “I know I’ve been lecturing you. I’m worried about us, but I want to understand what you need from me.”
- When things are calm, ask: “When you say I’m the problem, what specifically do I do that bothers you?” Hear her out before defending yourself. You can accept a fair criticism without agreeing with every accusation.
- Set limits on how you speak to each other. If she says she isn’t angry, you don’t need to convince her otherwise. You could say: “I want to hear you, but I’m going to take a break if we’re shouting. We can try again in a little while.” Take the break calmly, then come back to the conversation.
- Give your younger sister time to settle before explaining anything. Keep it simple: “This is really upsetting. I’m here.” Keep reasonable limits and save the explanation for when she can listen. You can acknowledge her feelings without giving in to a demand. [Child Mind Institute’s guidance](https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-children-calm-down/) explains this approach.
- Spend time together without making it a lesson. Share a meal or go for a walk. Help with homework, or do something you both enjoy. They need chances to experience you as a dependable brother whose attention isn’t mostly correction.

Talk privately with your mother about what you can reasonably take on: “I can handle dinner and homework on these days, but I need you to lead on rules and consequences.” If your sisters are adults, focus on shared household agreements. Your mother may also need practical help and emotional support while she finds her footing. Another trusted adult could share some of that responsibility.

Being someone your sisters can rely on comes from everyday habits: listening, keeping promises, and setting respectful limits. You don’t have to take your father’s place to do those things.

If the outbursts continue, get worse, or interfere with school, sleep, or relationships, involve a school counselor, doctor, or family therapist. You can seek support for yourself too.