I have five siblings, one older, the rest younger. Because of the special needs our family has, I feel like the only 'normal' person in the family, I feel left out, and I have a hard time understanding them. I try really hard, but just when I think I get it, it turns out I was completely wrong. I'm only trying to help, but because I have a hard time understanding, most of my siblings seem to be angry and hateful to me. I try really hard, but I can't get support from my mom or dad because they are so busy. (Mom homeschools, dad works full time) I can't talk about it with my friends because it makes them uncomfortable. I'm just confused now...
I also have a lot of pressure put on me from outside our family to be the responsible, normal one who picks up all the slack my siblings leave. And then when I can't do that, I turn out to be a disappointment.
I certainly can"t say I know what you're going through,, but I know what it's like to feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. If it's awkward talking about it with your friends maybe those people aren't really great friends. A bes friend will always listen to what you have to say and furthermore, try to help you. I'm sorry I can't offer more help, but I hope things get better for you :)
Things keep going downhill, and I just exploded at my mom and made her cry.
I didn't mean to, it just happened. I was getting ready to have a sleepover with my friend, and go to party too and then she came and told me that I would have to find another time to do that with my friend because my sister had one of her special needs classes rescheduled and that she needed me to stay. I just blew up, and now I feel so sorry. I don't know what to do now.
Hi Prudence. I don't think this is that useful, but you would do well by just telling your mom that you're sorry and consenting for anything she wants. That way, she will know you feel sorry and the matter might be solved.
It's not just that. I feel like she puts everything on me and expects me to give everything up because my siblings are 'special'. And I do know that because of the way they are, my life won't be completely normal and that I have to make sacrifices. But sometimes it gets to be too much and I start to feel like I can't take any more and that I'm being pushed to my limit and have almost no way to vent or relieve pressure.
Sorry for ranting.
Special needs run heavy in my family. We either have ADHD, autism, down syndrome, diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) or we're severely retarded. I have an older sister and three younger brothers and the one who can practically be my twin has it the worst.
What I'm trying to say is... try to spend more time with those siblings. Also, try being open- minded about it as you do. But make sure that you tell them you love them like no other. I barely get to see my "twin" since he lives five hours away from where I live.
I know how you feel. worse yet my brothers the fav.