When's Professional Help Necessary?

NJSue
Sun, 10 Mar 2013 09:51:49 +0000

It’s clear that you’re very concerned about your sister and you want to help her, but you touch on so many issues in your post that it’s hard to respond to. There is nothing wrong with venting, however.

You may not completely agree with the way your parents are handling your sister right now, but they are responsible for her and you are not. It sounds like they are trying to do the best they can and follow advice given by trained school personnel who have seen many kids go through similar problems. Your parents are not ignoring her problems, and resolution takes time. The best thing you can probably do at this point is to interact normally and affectionately with your sister as she goes through her challenges. She needs someone to value her for who she is right now, and as her brother, you can fill that very important role in her life. You can understand her uniquely because you have shared parents, but try not to bring your own past disappointments or issues with your parents into your sister’s own situation. Good luck to you.