I was over at a neighbour's the other day and it reminded me about this.

She has two children, D (boy) who is about 15 and R (girl) who is 12. She obviously favours D, can't say a bad thing about him. She constantly critizes R even when she is standing right there.

R never does anything, R is lazy, she actually calls her daughter Princess Beeatch (sp?). I feel so sorry for this girl, it's constant. R actually said to her mother one day "Well if I'm the Princess, you must be the Queen". I thought her mother totally deserved the disrespectful comment.

I just can't believe how much and how openly she does this and doesn't see anything wrong with it. I try so hard to bite my tongue when she's around. I would love to get in a few subtle comments, any suggestions?

By Vicki on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 - 12:05 pm:

Yikes, I would stay as far out of it as you can. I wouldn't even say any subtle comments about it. All relationships are different and with the way she said it back to her mom, it might just be the way they are. No good at all will come from you saying anything to her!!

By Insaneusmcwife on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 - 12:05 pm:

I would try to make it a point to compliment R in front of the mother. Make it a point to bring up the good things that you see R do.

By Heaventree on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 - 01:03 pm:

Yeah Vicki, I get what you're saying. I just wanted something good natured. Example, a good friend of mine was teasing her adolesant son about his peach fuzz mustache and I could see it was embrassing him. She said to him "So let's talk about your peach fuzz". I looked at my friend and noticed she had a mustache of her own, which she was bleaching. So I said to her "Why don't we talk about yours instead!"

Everyone had a good laugh, and I made my point. Next time I saw her, her mustache was gone.

You know Kristie you made a very good point, I will compliment R everytime I see her, espically when her mom is around. Thanks.

By Emily7 on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 - 02:13 pm:

I can tell you, my mom thought it was harmless teasing, but it hurt me a lot.
I think you should do what Kristie suggests.

By Heaventree on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 - 02:26 pm:

Emily, I know it hurts this girl, I can see it on her face. It will probably ruin her self-esteem.

Bad, mean Mommy!

By Groovepickle on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 - 02:33 pm:

Maybe you should see if R can go shopping with you someday or something like that. I knew kids growing up who had parents that didn't act like they liked them. One day this girl might be in a real troubled spot when she will need a responsible adult to turn to.