alhwrites:

an open note to mom and dad

• I know you want me to get good grades, but do you know that I try my best? Swap “that’s what you’re supposed to do” for “I’m proud of you” sometimes. Please acknowledge my efforts.
• When you say “but” after a sentence, it dismisses everything you said before it.

“You’re doing good, but…”

“Your outfit is cute, but…”

“This is excellent, but…”

I notice these things, and sometimes it hurts.

• Teenagers aren’t all the same people. Just because someone is doing something you disapprove of doesn’t mean I am. Please stop comparing us to other kids.
• I don’t just stay in my room to be an antisocial “hermit”. I need space. Things wear me out and I want to be alone sometimes.
• When I tell you how I feel about something you said, it isn’t me being disrespectful. Just because I’m disagreeing with you doesn’t mean I’m having an attitude. Listen to what I have to say, because when you don’t, I feel ignored.
• Kids are affected by depression and anxiety and OCD and other mental illnesses. It’s not “being ungrateful.” It’s suffering inside. Please don’t get mad at me when I’m being moody.
• No, I don’t always want to talk about it. Some things you don’t feel comfortable telling your parents, and others you want to sort out on your own. It’s personal matters. It’s not that I don’t like you.
• I may not say it all the time, but I do love you.