Like my mom used to tell me when I was going through the terrible teens, “I may not like you all the time, but I will always love you all the time.”  You probably feel the same way about your parents, and believe it or not, they more than likely feel the same way about you. 

Are you really mad at your parents?  Or are you a wee bit jealous of your lil’ sis?  Maybe both?  I understand you’ve tried talking to your parents about how you feel, but you may need to talk to them. They’re right—disagreeing with your parents is a part of growing up, but that doesn’t mean it has to hurt this much.

Respectfully let them know exactly how you feel.  You could say, “Hey Mom and Dad, I know you love me, but sometimes I feel as though you favor my sister more, that you expect me to be perfect, but I’m not and I never will be.  But I am trying to be the best daughter I can be.”  Honesty is always the best policy and it will help them understand where you’re coming from.

If you really don’t want to discuss it again, then try writing a letter to express your feelings and then giving it to your parents.  Trust me, honey, growing up is not easy and sometimes you may feel like you and your parents are from different planets, not the same family!  It may also help to talk to someone not in your family, like a best friend or a school counselor.  Your family cares a lot about you, and deep inside, you care a lot about them, too.  A family meeting may help you all feel like an actual family again.

Lots of love,