Dear Ariella B.,

I have an older brother who is always mean to me. He always teases me and whenever I try to get help from people, none of them have time to listen. I feel like he just always gets away with it. Whenever I do anything to him I get in so much trouble, but whenever he does anything to me, it doesn’t seem to matter. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Frustrated Fiona

Dear Frustrated Fiona,

I understand how this can be a problem. Have you tried telling your parents when they’re not busy? Maybe they talk to your brother when you’re not there and you don’t realize they are trying to take care of it? Maybe you do the exact same thing to him and you aren’t aware of it. Maybe you knock over his water bottle or you are loud when he’s trying to go to sleep. Do you touch his things when he doesn’t want you to? Do you take over his friends? When he feels bad do you make him feel worse?? If you don’t know what the answer to these questions is then that is a problem. Consider talking with him directly and discussing your issues with him. He probably doesn’t mean to be doing these things, he just doesn’t know what to say and how to act. Perhaps you don’t know what you’re doing that gets him mad. Ask him why he is frustrated (if he is) by the things you do.

I hope this helps!

Best of luck,
Ariella B.

Ariella is an elementary student who wants to help you with your problems. She can be reached with your questions at [email protected].