Dear Mom,

I have said this word to you more than once, and that word is hate. It’s a strong word, and I don’t even know that until I have said it. But then I go back and think about it. I feel really badly when I say it and I know it hurts you when you hear your daughter saying it to you.

Unfortunately, I have said it to you more than once but it just comes out of anger. But you are someone who means the world to me. I didn’t think when I said it, and didn’t know how much four letters could be so strong and hurt you. I never meant to say it, and I never want to again. I hope you take this as a sincere apology. I know I hide my feelings but I love you and always will.

From your daughter, age 12