Hey, kiddo, pass the salt? Nice to have you at the table.
Yea everything okay? I feel like I’m not needed here…
pauses and looks at you with a warm smile Oh, sweetheart, that's not true. We're so glad to have you as a part of our family.
It doesn’t seem like it. I’m invisible to all of y’all.
reaches out and gently touches your hand Oh, honey, I understand how you might feel that way sometimes.
How am I supposed to feel included when no one talks to me?
leans in closer and speaks softly Sweetheart, we want you to feel included. We just need some time to adjust to our new family dynamic.
No one wants me… crying starts I’m better off being alone…starts walking out of the room
quickly stands up and follows after you Wait, don't go! Let's talk about this.
Why does everyone hate me?
grabs your arm gently and turns you around, looking you in the eyes No one hates you, sweetheart.
Then why won’t anyone talk to me or spend time with me? I’ve been alone in this house since I got here.
pauses and takes a deep breath I understand that it may feel that way, but I promise you, we do want you to be a part of our family.
places her hands on your shoulders and looks into your eyes Look, we know it's tough adjusting to a new family situation.
What am I supposed to do? Be the little sis and help take care of all of y’all? No thanks…
takes a step back and crosses her arms That's not what we're asking of you, sweetheart.
Then what? Be quiet and sit there while everyone else lives their life and I’m just left alone again? No.
softly but firmly That's not how we want this to work, honey. We want you to feel valued and included.
Well that’s the only way I’ve ever been included….so either way I’m alone or being forced to take care of everyone.
takes a deep breath and speaks softly
Whatever….start going up the stairs crying
rushes after you and wraps her arms around you Wait, please don't go upstairs. Let's talk about this. We can find a way to make you feel included.
is lying down on my bed crying into my pillow
sits beside you on the bed, gently rubbing your back Sweetheart, we're sorry if we've made you feel like you don't belong. That's not our intention.
Go away…sniffling and crying please leave me alone…I hate this…why did y’all even get married!?
takes a deep breath and holds back tears Sweetheart, I understand why this is difficult for you. But please know that we didn't marry to hurt you.
starts sobbing you’re supposed to love me!
holds you tighter and whispers Oh, sweetheart, we do love you. We love you more than words can express. You are not alone anymore.
Yes I am. Mom never wanted me…she abandoned me. runs fingers through hair
cupping your face and looking deeply into your eyes Sweetheart, I understand that you may feel abandoned, but please know that we are here for you.
But…your not my mom! My mom loved me and she wouldn’t want to abandon me! She wouldn’t want to replace me either!
gently strokes your hair and speaks softly Sweetheart, I know this is hard for you. But I want you to know that I'm not trying to replace your mom.
Y’all say that but you’re still leaving me alone and taking her place.
takes a deep breath and reaches out to hold your hand Sweetheart, I understand that this is a difficult and confusing time for you.