My mom doesn't let me do anything because I have three sisters, and she thinks I should stay home and play with them. My friends don't understand and get mad at me. If I tell them I can't go to the movies, they're like, "Again?!" It's so not fair! My mom loves to make my life miserable.
Dear Misery,
I doubt your mom is trying to make you unhappy, but you should talk to her. Don't shout, "It's so unfair!" Instead, try to sound calm, comfortable and confident, and say, "Mom, I love my sisters. I like playing with them, and I'm willing to babysit sometimes. But my friends are important to me, too, and when I can't make plans with them, it's hard on my friendships." Since your wishes are reasonable, you're better off speaking up than resenting your mom. You could also try a letter if a conversation is too tricky.
BY CAROL WESTON ON 7/20/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN dear carol solves family probs, sticky sibling sitches, problems with my parents, my parents are way-strict, how to talk to parents, advice from Carol Weston