I Need Help With Penny ASAP

[Plushie]

Penny is my 13 year old niece. I noticed she was upset today and we sat down and talked for a good three hours. She told me how she has only 2 friends in school and how one is realy neglectful of her pets.

She told me how she was scared to go back to her step-mom and dads house because her 'mom' is always encouraging her to be WAY over the top and expects way too much from her. Penny told me she doesn't want to go to college or university and become a vet or teacher like she's always wanted anymore and says she wants to have her kid at age 20...

I want the best for Penny. Her parents seem so centered on the younger children (ages 4 years and 5 months). It breaks my heart to see her so sad, and more than once I've seen her curled up somewhere in my house fidling with the locket her mom gave her a month before she died. Sometimes I feel like making her live with me, I hate to see her so sad!!

I need you guys to help me out here. I'm sorry if I'm offending someone, but I don't think a 13 year old should be giving up on her dreams and starting to have kids as soon as she turns 20 because her life is horrible and the only time she is truly content is when she's at my house making cookies with me or hanging out in the backyard with Jack.

Is there anyway I can help her out?​

 

[ACooper]

I have three step children whose mother passed away when they were very young (boy age 2, and two girls ages 5 & 6 when their mom died)

13 is a tough age for anyone, especially in her case. Is her step mom good to her? I mean I know that the two younger kids can take alot of time, it would be that way if she were not a step child.

I would say if you don't feel that her step mom & dad are actually "mean" to her, just keep doing what you are doing by being there to hang out with. Bake cookies, talk, and encourage. Sort of fill in for the time the other two kids take away. Everyone needs a special person that they can feel "belongs" to them

 

[bubbatd]

This is so sad !!! Too many young people who want love feel that having a baby will give them the love they are missing . I gather that she lost her Mom and now has her Dad and Step Mom ........... Please do what ever you can for her .

 

[AgilityPup]

I really suggest that if she seems happy with you, try to have her there with you as much as possible.

Take her to movies, let her have friends over to your house for the night, that kind of fun.

I know what it's like to feel down, thought I've never had an issue with parents.

Maybe talk to her about her mom. That kind of stuff, and I also think maybe talking to her parents would be a good idea...

Dog time is always helpful too!

Good luck, and (HHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGSSSSSSS) to you for caring, and to her for talking to you about it!

 

[noludoru]

How about you start by asking her parents if she could have a week-long sleepover with you for some fun? Just tell them you think she needs some time away from home for a bit and you'd love the company.

 

[puppydog]

13 is a sh*t age. Just be there for her. Talk to her about how satisfying a career is, how independence should be strived for, especially in young women. Try instill a sense of self pride and confidence in her. Don't boss, guide. Let her know how attractive strong happy women are and how they no longer need a man or kids to be viable.

Show her that she is a beautiful and powerful woman who should live up to her full potential.

 

[GipsyQueen]

I don't know how to help her, I'm sorry. But give her some bug huge hugs from me, ok? She sounds like she just needs some love and nurturing!
Invite her over as often as possible and make her feel at home!