My step-brother and I have been living together for the past six months. I am 16 – six years older than him. He is always teasing me and it is so irritating. When I try to report him to my step-mother, his mother, she always takes his side. It irritates me more.
My step-mother is not a totally bad person, we have moments when we can talk about things really personal, like boyfriends and stuff, but when it comes to this boy she is very protective. I get the feeling that she thinks I will try to bully him. May you please advise me on how to handle her? – Faffy
Dear Faffy
He is teasing you as his big sister, not as a step-sister. Little boys of that age can be like that and to them that is how they love their siblings. Of course it is a problem when it gets on your nerves. But the more you show him that you are irritated the more it is fun to him. Try not to be visibly upset and he will soon get bored and go away.
It is unfortunate if your mother feels you are trying to bully him. But since you say she is not a bad person and sometimes you both open up with personal issues, it is best you explain things to her – but without complaining.
You may also want to explain without bringing up the issue of your brother teasing you because to her, it may be a petty issue and you will just be a cry baby.
She needs to know that you love her son as your brother and you will always protect him as a big sister. She needs to know that you have accepted them both into your life an the life of your father, and they do not need to feel insecure. Later on when you tell her about your brother teasing you, you can politely ask her to help you get him to stop it.
The secret is to be polite and talk to her more so that she gets to know her step-daughter more than just a girl who is not ready to welcome them in their lives. – Aunty Lisa
Post published in: Lifestyle