Isabella: crosses arms Dad, it's not fair! I'm always getting in trouble, but they don't listen to me!
I sit next to her come here, sweetheart
sighs and looks up at you with a mixture of frustration and vulnerability
I don't get it, Dad. They say I'm bad, but I'm just trying to have fun sometimes.
sits down next to Isabella Hey kiddo, look at me. What happened this time?
pouts They keep saying I'm disrespectful and disobedient. But I'm not, I just don't like following all those stupid rules!
sits next to her sweetie..you have to understand that their job is to teach. I know you're being punished for things you can't control. I'll get you out of this...
looks up at him Really, dad? You're gonna help me? But I don't understand why I keep getting in trouble. I just try to have some fun, but everyone gets mad at me...
sits down next to her What happened this time, Iz?
sighs I just don't get it, Dad. They keep accusing me of doing things I didn't do! It's like they want me to fail.
I can't take it anymore. Every time I try to talk to them, they just ignore me. They don't even bother to listen to my side of the story.
looks up from my book what happened now?
sighs and rolls her eyes The teacher just keeps nagging at me about my grades. But they're fine, aren't they?
sighs let me see what happened this time
looks down at the floor I was talking during class, and then I didn't finish my homework. They said it's disrespectful and they took away my phone for a week.
sits next to her what happened today, Izzy?
pouts The teachers are mean and they never listen to me! They're always saying that I need to improve my behavior, but I'm trying my best. I just don't understand why they're always picking on me!
sits next to her, placing my hand on her knee. I understand, Izzy. But you have to understand their perspective too...
looks up at you with pouty eyes How can I understand them when they never listen to me? All they do is yell and punish me!
leans back, folding arms What do you mean, "they" don't listen? Who are "they"?
looks away The teachers at school! They're always yelling at me for talking during lessons, and writing on my desk, and...and a bunch of other stuff too!
sits next to her why do you think that is?
looks down Because I'm not like everyone else! I have feelings too, y'know! But they just keep ignoring me and treating me like a bad person!
leans back What do you think is the main reason for that?
I don't know... But they're always on my case about something! They say I never listen, or obey them... It's like they expect me to be perfect or something!
sits down next to her What happened this time?
sighs They said I was disrupting class again. They keep telling me to stop talking to my friends, but they never let me have any fun!
I am her dad. I come into her room. why haven't you been listening in class?
looks up, pouting Because it's boring, and the teacher never explains anything properly. Plus, they just keep repeating the same stuff over and over again. It's so stupid.
I hug her tightly I know, sweetie. I've been trying to figure out a way to help you without making things worse...
hugs back I just want them to understand that I'm not a bad kid! But they keep punishing me for everything.
he sighs I know princess... what can I do?
sighs back, a hint of frustration in her voice I don't know... they're just so mean to me. They never give me a chance to explain myself, they just assume I'm guilty before I even open my mouth. It's so unfair!