I don’t mind being a shoulder to lean on, or someone to rant to. I don’t mind offering advice. But I do mind being a sounding board for hateful speeches towards each other, as well as towards the other’s side of the family. I am 19 and while I am now old enough to help you through these things, that doesn’t mean that I should have to.
Do you ever think about the emotional toll this takes on your kids? Do you notice how your youngest son hides in his room all day to avoid the alternating screaming matches and heavy silences, and no longer speaks to anyone else? Do you notice how your middle child is failing his classes due to your taking out your frustrations on him daily, and his resulting inability to perform to the best of his ability? Do you think about how no one in this family talks to each other - ever - anymore?
Do you ever think about my mental state? I am your oldest child, and most mature, but I am still not equipped to handle your constant rants about how hateful and abusive and crazy and stupid you think the other is. I don’t want to hear about how manipulative you think my grandma is, or how much of a waste you think my cousin is. I am in college, and working towards my own future, with my own struggles and problems. I am now bearing the majority of the responsibility of raising my brothers, since they no longer trust either parent. I love both sides of my family.

Do you ever think about that?

The things I will never say aloud, for fear of making either of you feel like you have no one to talk to anymore,
Your daughter