My grandparents are coming to visit this week, but I really
don’t want to see them. They always come when my brother is doing something—a
band concert, a baseball game—but they never come to see me, even when our big
events are just a day apart. I tried telling my parents how I feel, but they
dismissed it. What should I do?
That’s a sour situation, girl. I’m sorry you have to deal
with it, especially since your parents don’t want to address the problem. There
are three things I think you should try…
Write a letter
If you’re feeling ignored, this is something your parents
need to think about, whether they want to or not. When you spoke to them, they
might have been having a bad day or thought you were being whiney. Draft a
letter to them stating your concerns and backing them up with examples. Leave
your letter somewhere they’ll find it—taped to their bedroom door or propped up
against the coffeemaker.
Talk to your bro
Depending on how good of a relationship you have with your
sibling, it might be helpful to talk it out. Ask your brother if he has a sec
to discuss something that’s been seriously bothering you, and then tell him
that you’re feeling left out. If he agrees with you or is sympathetic enough to
want to help you feel better, team up for a chat with your ‘rents and your
grandparents. Warning: Avoid this option if your bro is seriously stuck-up or
self-centered. No need to fuel the fire, right?
Carve out some “you” time with your grandparents
I’m sure that your grandparents love you, even if they are
playing favorites. Give Grandma a call and tell her that you’ve got a huge
piano recital coming up, and you would love
to have her support. Could she maybe come up for a few days to see it and hang
out? When they’re in town, suggest a girls-only activity, like baking, shopping
or just a walk around the neighborhood.
Good luck, sweetie!
GOT
YOUR OWN FAMILY FEUD? CLICK HERE to
submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 3/2/2011 11:43:00 AM
POSTED IN I'm feeling left out, family, sticky sibling sitches, problems with my parents