I am a 13-year-old girl going through a whirlwind of emotions. My life has changed a lot since the birth of my sister two years ago. I have an older brother and, before my sister’s birth, I was the youngest child and got all the love.

But now, my mom and dad make me babysit her all the time, which is affecting my studies. I don’t even get the same amount of love, as my mom loves my sister more and says it to my face.

I was in eighth grade last year, but my dad made me feel that my studies were not important and focused on my brother, who was in grade nine. I felt ignored and cried many nights. Now that I am in grade nine, he still doesn’t give me any attention! I study on my own and manage to get good marks.

On top of all this, my home environment is toxic.........

© Dawn (Magazines)