My parents haven't been paying a lot of attention to me lately?

Question

MY borther is in his third year of high school and has been having issues with drugs and achol.
He has been getting help, but because of all of this my parents have been constantly busy with and talking about him. Lately its been annoying because all they ever talk about is him, his issues and colleges.

I am starting to feel a little neglected. like the other night we all had dinner together but all they talked about was him and my parents compelely ignored me, even though it was supposed to be family dinner, it was more like ignore claire and only talk to her brother.

ITs getting annoying!!! what should i do??

People who are going to be insensetive, don't answer the question.

Sure my parents need to pay attention to my brother, but his problem isn't so bad that they can't take time to aknowledge me

Answer 1

I think you should talk to your parents and let them know how you feel because I know how it feels to be neglected and it's not very fun at all. I mean I wanted some attention but nobody gave it to me so i ended up doing bad things to make them pay attention instead of talking to them like you should. If i had a chance I would do it over and talk it out

Answer 2

First, don't doubt that your parents love you. 2nd, know that they would be there for you also. However, there's only so much time and energy in a day. And, if you're parents are particularly worried about your brother, they may also be somewhat depressed. Try being part of the family by making dinner, ask your Mom to go for a walk, or milkshakes. Make the moves to spend more time with your parents and I'll bet you'll see that the balance will begin to be restore. I know it's hard at your age, but be patient and supportive. It's not much different than what siblings go through when one of them is seriously ill. Your parents are focusing on trying to get your brother back on the right track. Don't take it as some kind of slight on their love and concern for you. Good luck, you sound like you have a good head on your shoulders. The left out feeling will pass. I promise.

Answer 3

This is kinda like the "new baby" in the family. They have something that needs their attention right now. As a parent I will be racking my brain trying to figure out how i can help my son. I would keep my eye on you, but you may not notice it. You feel neglected, of course. The truth is, you are probably the responsible one. Your parents are probably saying great things about you and your choices, Which will make them focus more on the problem child. You can bring up topics and situations in your life to them that you want to talk about. You can have one on one conversations with them. You can also offer solutions to help your brother. Talk to your brother too. find out what is really going on wiht him. Parents are never perfect. Either they are in yoour business to much or not enough. I hope your situation resolves soon!

Answer 4

When you leave for school in the morning, write a little note to your parents and tape onto the front door or refrigerator. They will definitely see it then, and (hopefully) read it. If you return from school and they don't pull you aside and talk to them, then YOU speak up and say, "Hey, I'm still a part of this family, and I need some attention too!" If they still continue to ignore you, then bug them until they scream! Good Luck!

Answer 5

Hey
I know how you feel but you have no other choice but being quiet for a while. I have a sibling too and I know how it feels. The problem is that at this time you can not really say your parents that you feel ignored because then they might think that you are acting selfishly in the time of crisis ( which isn't right). If possible try to be a little supportive to your brother which can be difficult but you can try. Remember, you are the nice one and I am sure inside their heart your parents are really proud of you and if you be more supportive they will always remember and if they don't, you will be depositing something very good in your KARMA account.

Answer 6

It'll be hard for him to get into a college with drug problems, and even if he gets in he won't complete college if he has a drug and alcohol problem. Plus, he won't be eligible for federal grant money like everyone else, so I'm sorry your parents are wasting so much time on taling about his college career when they should be focusing on you, since I assume you actually have a future.

Go ahead and tell your parents it bothers you that he is the center of attention. Say that you understand it is important to help him, but you are starting to feel really down and unnoticed.

Answer 7

l can understand where your parents are coming from and lm sure even though other business has taken over...they still love you and care for you.
Why dont you suggest that you have a gettogether one night just to discuss...you and your life....
See how that goes...
Use "l" statements when asking them....ie...i am feeling a little left out lately and l would like to discuss some personal issues with you.

After all if you dont say anything...they may not realise as they are taken up with this serious problem of your brothers

Good luck!

Answer 8

If you think your parents are paying more attention to your brother instead of you, you are sadly mistaken. Your brother needs help and your parents are trying to help him. If your are going to a spoiled brat about it, then you get on drugs and alcohol. I'm sure that will make you feel better because your parents will then pay attention to you. Now I'm sure they are both stressed and worried. Instead of having to deal with one kid on substance abuse now they will have two. Grow up.

Answer 9

Hey hun, i know what your going through, i have the same problem. I would just give them time, and if that doesnt work, talk to them. Be like..im sick of always talken about my brother, you guys never pay attention to me anymore! If that doesnt work, give em the silent treatment and start ignoring them. When they realize what your doing and why your doing it they should go back to talking to you.

Answer 10

Just ask them something like........

"Do I have to start abusing drugs to be considered part of this family???"

That will get their attention, then just explain how you are feeling. they are probably really worried about your brother and are really grateful to have a daughter like you. they probably don't even realize that they are not giving you the attention and praise you deserve, once they realize that they have been doing this it will get better.