Dear Queenie,
My mother depends on me to look after my younger brothers and sisters when we’re not in school, so I don’t have any time left over for after-school activities or socializing.
Queenie, is it selfish of me to want a life of my own?—Oldest sister
Dear Sister,
Being the oldest carries with it responsibilities, but also should include some privileges. Talk to your mother and try to work out some kind of compromise. If there is a school counsellor or teacher or other adult you can enlist for support, ask him or her to intercede on your behalf. And I wish you good luck.
