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Wow! That is pretty sad! My problem as a child was not that my parents didn't want me to have toys it was that they couldn't afford them! (6 brothers, 1 sister plus me 8 total) Don't let it bother you that she doesn't have your love of AG just study real hard and one day you will be able to buy all the AG you want. I have!
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">This has always been my tactic when my mom would try to tell me who to have as friends. It actually became more effective when I went to college and she realized how many of those "good" kids were into things they shouldn't have been.Quote:
Originally posted by SugarMagnolia:
Remind them of all the things that girls your age are sometimes interested in that can get them into trouble. They ought to appreciate that you're interested in something so wholesome.
I think you should just drop the subject, ask for money and buy your own AG things. I don't know much about your home dynamics, but I don't think parents should ever be sarcastic to children. Sarcasm itself is childish, and parents need to be above that.
But be aware, this gift thing continues for life. My mother just bought me *another* black suit. While I appreciate the gesture, I already have five black suits (not to mention navy, gray, red and white). It is sitting in the closet with the tags attached - next to the black suit she bought me last year, also with tags attached. Some things just don't change. [img]wink.gif[/img]
Thanks for all your advice...I've already tried talking with them MANY times before, trust me. As soon as my mom hears "American Girl" in the conversation she IMMEDIATELY asks me what I did at school or what I learned. She automatically tries to change the subject. I hate it. I just want to put tape over her mouth and force her to listen! [img]mad.gif[/img]
I have said little historical facts here and there and my mom asks me where I learn it and I say AG. She's really snooty about it...one time I told her I learned that from AG and she turned to my stepdad and said "Oh look honey, she learned that from American Girl" really sarcastically.
I don't know what to do. I had to vent somehow. I also feel really bad for talking about my mom like this. Shes the best mother in the world...she does EVERYTHING for me shes just really unsupportive of my doll collecting although shes supportive of everything else I do. I don't know.
[img]graemlins/broken_heart.gif[/img]
Remind them of all the things that girls your age are sometimes interested in that can get them into trouble. They ought to appreciate that you're interested in something so wholesome.
I am 22 years old and my husband is 30 (almost 31). I thought certainly I'm going to get static from somebody it was going to be him... but no... he supports it 100% of the way... and why? Because he says it makes me happy and there are very few things in this life that truely make anyone happy. You could always take that approach... but realistically, I do not know your age... but I assume that its HS... if I wanted my moms attention at that age I'd use this argument. "Well, I guess you are right... I suppose I could be acting like most kids my own age... and experminting with >insert illegal substance here<"
That ALWAYS won my mom over, because it was like a reality check... you know what I complain about this this and this... but when it boils down to it, my daughter is a good kid who enjoys wholesome activites.... why knock it.
Another fun thing to pull is the whole "well, these are my christmas gifts and not yours. If you don't want to buy me something I want and will make ME happy, then just don't bother at all." And honestly, I'd rather have nothing than something I do not want.
(((HUGS))) I know how frustrating it can be when those you love just don't seem to understand or "get it". It's natural that you want to share your love and enthusiasm for AG, but unfortunately everyone doesn't feel the same way. Continue collecting and doing what you love. I don't know your age, but if you receive an allowance save up for your own purchases if possible. Or if a family member asks whats on your holiday wish list,let them know. We're here to support you and each other. [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]
I am so sorry that so many hurtful, hurtful things were said to you! I would think that they would leave you feeling unimportant and as if your feelings don't count. Hang in there. I hope that their listening abilities will improve with time.
Somebody told me once that a good way to try to communicate with people in situations like that is to say, "When you do ____, I feel ____" An example might be "When you say that getting doll clothes for me would be pointless, I feel very sad because when I hear that I feel as if something that I enjoy and value is being put down and as if I am being put down."
Here is a book you might find in your library, or you can order it through inter-library loan.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158...triciaevanscom
Joy
If this helps, I do not mind you sharing my testimony and pictures:
I am a 51 year Christian, married over 23 years, college educated, white collar professional for 20 years/now at home mom, son in college, 12-year old daughter, Girl Scout Leader, PTSA Volunteer, and AN AMERICAN GIRL DOLL "LOVER TO THE HEART"!
Contratry to popular opinion that I play with my dolls because I have too much time on my hands...I do not have much time with all my outside activites. I have loved dolls as far back as I can remember. The AG dolls are historically informative, definite imagination enhancer, and just plain fun!
I loved these dolls when I was in the "outside of the home" workforce and even more so now as I have more time to devote to my collection.
I have 19 dolls and enjoy every day with them. It is a happy and fun collection/hobby. I also collect Hallmark Christmas Ornaments, Dept 56 Snow Village, Nativity Scenes, and Refrigerator Magnets...none has given me as much pleasure as this doll collection.The dolls are something I interact with daily intead of just looking at them.
<font color="red">Here are pictures of some of the fun I have with them:</font>
Me and "The Girls"
NOW THIS IS SOMEONE WHO REALLY LOVES AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS!
AG Fans Love the Dolls and the Clothes!
[img]graemlins/island.gif[/img] prasnlrd & [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/girl.gif[/img] ' [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img] in CA. [img]graemlins/island.gif[/img]
I would agree with Balletmom. If AG is the only touchy subject in your household, then avoid the subject and for birthdays and Christmas, either ask for other stuff you want, or ask for money. And if you get money, make a point to spend at least some of it on other stuff, and not all on AG. Otherwise your parents might figure it out and not give you so much money anymore. [img]wink.gif[/img]
My parents think my AG collecting is "cute" but they never buy me AG stuff anymore, so I ask for other stuff that I really want and save my own money for AG. So far this has worked out pretty well. I hope that you will find what works for you, too! Hang in there! [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]
prasnlrd have I ever told you that you are my hero =D
I always love looking at your pictures =D