Dear Shayna B.,

My friends all have a group chat and they call each other and text each other. All pride aside, l feel very left out. l can’t download WhatsApp because all I have is a stinkin’ Kindle. My parents don’t want me using their phones. I’m not even gonna ask my older sister because I already know the answer. My baby brother lied to me. l asked him if his play phone has WhatsApp. He said yes, so I obviously wanted to check. Not only did he cry and scream, but there was no WhatsApp. What a sneaky little liar! Now you see my dilemma.

Sincerely,

WhatsApp Wanting Wendy

Dear Whatsapp Wanting Wendy,

I know what it is like to feel left out. Everyone does at some point. Tell your parents how you feel. I don’t have a phone either, can you believe that! If they still say no, try to get a job to earn money. If they still say no, show them how responsible you are. Do all of your chores and study hard so they will feel like they can give you more privileges. Maybe a sibling will let you borrow his/her phone. For instance, you can always butter your sister up. Buttering up, is when you do all her chores, be very nice to her and whenever she wants something, say yes. After a while she will feel it’s normal for you to do this stuff for her. That’s when you start your attack. You say, “I will stop doing this for you and I won’t give you that if you won’t let me use your phone.” She will be so used to having everything done and it will feel so weird for her that she will let you use her phone so you continue being her helper. If your sister doesn’t fall for this trick, you can ask your friends to download another app that might work on the electronics you do have. If you can’t persuade them, you might just have to do something you never thought you’d do…call them up on the phone.

Best of luck,

Shayna B. and Micah B.

(I thought this question was best answered with my older brother as he likes it when I butter him up and do all his chores for him!)

Shayna is a 5th grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.