Mum Hates Me

Dear Auntie Betty,
I am 13 and in Class Six. I live with my mum but my dad is on transfer outside Accra and visits home occasionally.

My mum insults me at the least provocation. My little sister and I are not happy at home. When she quarrels with my dad, she vents her anger on us.

As a result, my dad has enrolled us in a boarding school. But we want to be in the comfort of our homes. What should we do?

Valerie, Accra.
Dear Valerie,
I understand what you are going through. But your dad wants the best for you and that is why he enrolled you in the boarding school so that you have some peace of mind to study.

With all the problems at home, he is only trying to protect you from it so bear with him and I’m sure when things get better, you can convince him so you can become day students once again.

Afterall, you will go home when you are on vacation. It is also a way to let you get used to boarding life so that when you go to the senior high school, it will not be a problem for you.

I believe after some time when you have made friends in the boarding school you would not want to become a day student.

Do you know you can do things to let your mother’s attitude change? Yes you can. Ensure that you are very good girls when you are on vacation and go out of your way to do things to please her.

She will notice them and think twice about her behaviour towards you.

When she is in a good mood, you can approach her in a polite manner and tell her how you feel when she insults you. She will stop all that with time.

It’s not because she does not love you. She does, but she may be going through stress and frustration so please don’t give up on her Okay! For now, your duty is to study hard and perform well in your exams.