"Hey, Megan!" I can understand you! My parents always seem to ask me to clean or cook when I'm already so busy! I mean, I'm a student, and I have all my extra activities, and then I've got to write that paper, and then I have to call my friend because I promised I would.... Busy like that, right?

But then I started to think about this from my mom or dad's perspective. They have jobs too- if it wasn't for them, you wouldn't have a room to clean! Parents have to work hard all day and getting really stressed.

Now that you are stressed and your mom is stressed... well, you know what happens!

So, how can you fix this? Well, there are two things to do: 1) keep in mind how busy your mom is and how much she does for you. She takes care of you, buys things for you, and has raised you. 2) Sit down with you mom and explain that you are stressed as it is and would like it if your siblings could help you pitch in on the chores. When you do this, you MUST be calm and rational. Yelling and screaming is going to get you absolutely nowhere. Don't forget to let your mom have her say too!

One thing you might want to do is tell your mom what you're doing. For instance, if your mom asks you to clean your room, explain that you are working on your homework right now. Try to tell her a later time when you will clean it up and stick with it. Same goes for other chores. Remember, when you need someone to lean on, you will always have your family! Start setting up good relationships now! Best of luck!

 

Johanna, 15, Illinois