How Do I Stop My Cousin From Taking Over?

"Hey, Brianna!" I can understand your problem! What I think you need to do is sit down your cousin, and the rest of your family down, and tell them exactly how you are feeling. When you have talked to your parents in the past, did you yell at them when you told them about your cousin, or did you actually say it in a calm and respectful manner? I can't imagine any parents yelling at their daughter just because they explained how they felt. Most parents encourage their kids to express their feelings and emotions amongst the family. They must have thought you were being disrespectful when you were talking about it. So, try going to them again, only like I said, with your cousin, and be ready to be mature. Listen to each side of the story and explain your views and points. This all must be done in a very respectful, calm, and nice manner. This means no yelling, at all!

I mean, I am sure they are going to expect you to cut your cousin some slack. After all, she is new to the family. Think about it. How would you feel if you had moved into her family and you were new? I'm sure it would be hard. You'd have to adjust to new rules, and just get used to it. Your cousin may not realize what she is doing and how mad and upset she is getting you. This may just be the way she has always been at home, so she is used to it. You'll have to explain to her and NICELY that she can't act like this around your place and you wanted to be treated with respect and equality. Just let her know whatever is on your mind. I'm sure once she realizes the pain she is causing you, she will try and stop.

Make sure your parents and cousin are fully aware that you aren't trying to be mean; you are just upset and you don't feel you deserve to be so excluded. Make sure they also realize that you are fully aware she is new to the family, and it's probably hard, but this is something new for you, too!

I'm sure all they need to be is to woken up and once they all realize this, things'll work out. Don't be mean to your cousin after this; try to get along with her as best as you can! I mean, after all you are going to be living with her for a loooooong time! Also, do try to cut her SOME slack because this is so new to her. Don't make her queen of the house though and make that known that you don't want it to be that way (not in a mean way though).

I hope this helps, Brianna. I'm sure things will work out eventually over time, or hopefully after that talk!

 

 

Whitney, 15, Canada