When my mom died, I stopped being a kid. This is the advice I'd give myself if I could go back.

// a thread

• It's not your fault

You didn't make your mom take all those pills. She made choices well before you. Forgive yourself.

• You deserve to be a kid.

• Don't take things so personally.

• Your dad should be your dad.

I spent my childhood cooking, cleaning, and taking care of myself and my dad. I should've had a chance to just be a kid

• Never stop believing in yourself.

If you think you can, you're halfway there.

• Date who you will have fun with you

Don't take high school relationships so seriously. You have plenty of time to find the "one".

• Love yourself

Others can't fill that void for you.

• Just pick a direction

You don't have to know every detail, just pick a direction then adjust accordingly.

• Don't drink and drive

It will never end well, and if it does it will eventually catch up to you.

• Choose your friends wisely

If people treat you bad, don't be friends with them. It's that simple.

• Forgive your dad

He is broken, just like you. Forgive him and love him through it.

• Don't ever quit

When anything in life gets hard, use it to push harder. Never give up.

• The college you go to matters

Choose the school that will make you happy not make you rich.

• Treat everyone with respect

Everybody is broken, remember that.

Conclusion: Your trauma doesn't have to define you. You have the power to overcome it and still be joyful.

Every kid deserves to be a kid.

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