LIFE

Dear Carol,

I’m frustrated with my parents and brother. My 8-year-old brother yells at me, throws stuff at me, etc. In return, I yell at him. My parents always take my brother’s side and never listen to my POV, even though I’m older. My relationship with my family is declining because of this.

- Frustrated

Dear Frustrated, 

I get that it doesn’t feel fair. Yet I see why your parents, who know that you’re much older, wish you didn’t yell when he yells. Can you try another tactic? What would you do if you were babysitting for him? Something different for sure. Tell your brother, “Neither of us likes yelling. Let’s do something else.” Sounds like he’s desperate for positive attention from you. Can you watch his fave show together or play a game? He’s throwing stuff at you (yikes), but try, just try, to throw a little kindness his way. He is your bro for life, so it’s worth it to fi gure out how to get along. I know this is not easy—I have two brothers, and it wasn’t always a love fest. Give yours a real compliment today. He’ll appreciate it, and so will your parents. Maybe you can even strike a deal. “Mom, I’ll take him to the movies Saturday, but on Sunday, I’d like to go to my friend’s house.”

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk, Ava and Pip and Speed of Life, a novel about a 14-year-old girl who writes to an advice columnist. Carol's audiobooks are on Spotify. More at carolweston.com and on Instagram @carolwestonnyc.

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by GL | 11/13/2024