sadgirl99, 13

Stuff Going On

sadgirl99, 13

So let's write about my life so far... My parents divorced when I was 7. I moved way too much. I am used to being the new girl at school. We don't move because of my mom's work or anything, we just move. I see my dad almost every two months. I text him or call. He hasn't been to all my birthdays, but he tries. My mom is a single mother and has back pain from a car accident that took place two years ago. It's tough on her and me. After my parents divorced I decided on my own that I had to grow up a little faster. My other three siblings didn't know what was going on. I think I know a little more than I need to about my family. And I think that's a bad thing.

sadgirl99, life is often a bit harder on everyone when parents get divorced. There's the obvious financial strain, and everyone has to get used to seeing each other on more of a schedule. In your case, you see your dad every two months or so. It has to be hard not having your dad around all the time.
Kids, especially the oldest, tend to grow up faster and take on more responsibility. This happens out of necessity, often times. Without the other parent available, the oldest takes on more of a care-giving role.
Your mom was in an accident and still suffers with back pain. That could affect her ability to work, which could add more financial strain.
You probably couldn't help finding out some things about your family that you wish you didn't know. Since you are the oldest, and you know how it feels knowing these "family secrets", you probably want to help protect your siblings from that information since they are so young. It's perfectly natural to assume responsibility once you obtain or learn some new information. For instance, once you touch a hot stove, you know it burns. You would naturally want to make sure your siblings didn't make that same mistake and touch the hot stove.
You should try to talk to your mom about things that might cause you some confusion as you grow up. Surely you must have questions that need answers. It's okay to ask your mom or your dad, when you see him.
Even though you've had to grow up faster than you probably should have, you should still try to enjoy being a kid when you can.
You might want to search to see if there are any other stories on our site from kids that had to grow up fast, too.
If you ever need someone to talk to because things are getting really tough for you, you can always call Child Help USA at 1-800-422-4453. It's a free call and you can call any time of day.