Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
It is important to talk to your parents about your feelings. You can thank them for planning the party.
Then, explain what’s bothering you. You can use sentences such as “I feel uncomfortable around some relatives at my birthday party” instead of “Don’t invite people I don’t like.”
Explain to your parents why you dislike these relatives. This will help them understand your feelings.
You can also find a solution that makes everyone happy. You might:
-
Have two parties: one with family and one with friends.
-
Invite only some relatives.
-
Plan fun things at the party so you can spend time with your friends.
This is also a good time to think about what’s more important – the birthday party or your family. You should try to understand your parents.
They might feel they have to invite some family members. If you understand their point of view, it will be easier to talk to them.
It’s normal to have disagreements. If you stay calm, you’ll have a better chance of finding a solution that works for everyone.
This question was answered by Andrew Stock, a clinical psychologist and partner at TherapyPartners and president of the Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong.
