Was this fair...?

Question

For my sisters birthday, which is February 2, she got a Nintendo DS. For my birthday, I got a 70 dollar bike. Here, a Nintendo DS costs 130 dollars. My sister said, "That isn't fair that Erika got her birthday present before her birthday!" First of all, it was the night before my birthday. Second of all, my dad wouldn't be here the next day because he was taking a trip up to Delaware. And just a few days ago, she got mad at me because I wouldn't let her ride my bike so she threw it down on the ground and the pedal broke off. Is that fair of my parents to do that?

My sister is turning 12 and I am 13.

But you do not understand! She gets EVERYTHING! My parents don't notice it, but I do! If she wants something, she gets it. I barely ask for anything, and when I do it is just something I need or it is very cheap. (Usually around five dollars.) When they say no, I really don't mind, but what gets me is when my sister asks for something that is like, twenty dollars, she gets it! I probably ask for something maybe just once every two months, but everytime we go out somewhere my sister will throw a fit in the middle of the store because she doesn't get what she wants.

Answer 1

You got the better deal. You got a bike you can ride outside - she has to sit in the house with her video game. You're free, she's stuck in the house.
It's not right that she broke your bike though, but I'm sure you parents will say you should have shared. Oh well. Sorry.

Answer 2

Sweetie,
Life is not fair. But it is more than common to have jealousy among siblings. See parents do not see that. All they see is what would you like and love to have for your b-day. Love is not a competition is a matter of giving without questioning the motive.
As you get older and look back you will get a laugh out of this.
Chin up, there is always a new year with a new b-day to celebrate. Be happy just to have a family, not a lot of people have that joy.
PS.Material thing are just that, they come and go. Family is priceless. You will get over this very soon. Just try to plan a great come back for next year. :)

Answer 3

Aw quit whining when I was a kid all we got for our birthdays were sticks and rocks.
No really, I'm just joking. As a parent I try to keep things fairly equal to avoid hurt feelings like you are having right now. So, no I don't think it was completely fair but I can assure you your parents probably didn't intend to hurt your feelings. You need to speak to them about your sister breaking your bike and ask that there be some form of restitution on her part for the destruction of your property.

Answer 4

I know it seems really unfair to you, but things have a way of balancing out. I have been in your shoes my entire life...and believe me when I say that you're just going to drive yourself nuts if you nickel and dime the gifts you're given compared to what she's given.

As far as how your sister handles your gifts...that isn't right. She should either pay to repair the bike or replace the bike. At the same time, would it have hurt you to let her ride the bike? Do you think you will ever play her DS?

Answer 5

Don't worry so much about the dollar figure involved in seperate gifts. 70 and 130 is roughly even, and they were trying to get you something you needed or wanted, not trying to match a value. The rest of the problem you are having stems from this preoccupation with a supposed favortism going on.

Answer 6

Nobody ever said life is fair. You could try talking to your parents about the way you feel you're treated, compared to your sister. I suggest you just get over it, and continue living your life. There are too many real injustices in the world to dwell on something this trivial.

Answer 7

I think that is totally not fair. I totally understand what you are feeling, I have a sister who does the same stuff to me.

It also makes no sense why our parents do this kind of thing. All I can suggest is hang on and wait till you move out (woo-hoo) then you do not ever have to deal with your sister ever again.

My prayers are with you.

Answer 8

No I dont think it is fair but we always dont get what we want and your sister will learn that sooner or later. and also your parents probably dont know how you feel. Go to them and let them know that you want to talk with them about something and just talk tothem about it. I have 5 kids i try to let them know that they can come and talk to me about anything. I always hear that's not fair and i have to ask them to look at the situation. Your parents may feel like you are the stronger one and you may not need as much attention as your sister. Just speak with them about it. I try not to do that with my kids but as they all go through their different changes each one of them have their own different needs and it may seem like one is getting more than the other but you have to look at certain factors. my oldest son right now is getting more because he is involved in more activities than the others with school and the community projects. He also have a cell phone so when he is involved and travelling with different organizations i can keep incontact with him if i am not able to be there or at work. my second son he is also involved in different activites but he doesnt get as much as the first because of his behavior at school. He would also have a cell phone but like i said it depends on the individual but because of his behavior he doesnt get a lot of things that he could have so just giving you an example but talk to your parents.

Answer 9

Stop comparing yourself to your sister all the time. You will only be miserable, and that's no fun. Rise above all this game playing. Think about more important things like friends you can make plans with and stuff you are interested in.

Answer 10

No that is not fair. You should call your local Child Protective Services and Amnesty International to free you from the tyranny of your oppressor parents.