Hi there,
Thanks for sending in your letter and sharing how you’re feeling with me. The information you gave really helped me to understand what’s going on with Mum and Granny. It sounds like Christmas was tough for you because of their argument, so I’m glad that you got in touch.
Family relationships can be really difficult sometimes, as even though people love and care for each other, it doesn’t mean that they get on well all the time. You explained about how Mum and Granny have not been getting on very well lately and it sounds like those feelings came out when you all got together over Christmas.
I can hear that you feel really sorry for Granny, as she’s sad and has told Mum that she’s sorry. It’s important to remember that you have a right to say how you feel and you should be really proud of yourself for letting Mum know that you felt the argument was not just Granny’s fault.
You told me that you’re worried about your Granny and also mentioned about how Mum said you only know half the story. You might find it helpful to talk to Mum at a time when she’s calmer, so that you can explain to her how you are feeling. Perhaps you could let her know that you can see how much she does for others, and that you understand that Granny can be moany, but that you also worry for Granny and would like to understand more about what’s going on.
If talking to Mum seems too difficult, maybe you could have a think about whether you could write your feelings down and share them with her, or if there’s another adult in your family you trust who you could talk to about this.
You might find it helpful to have a look at the Family relationships page in Explore. There is also a Home and family relationships message board where young people offer each other support, you might want to check it out.
Remember you can always contact a ChildLine Counsellor for a 121 chat online, or on 0800 1111. ChildLine is confidential so they won’t tell anyone what you talk to us about unless you want them to, or someone is in life threatening danger.
Take care,
Sam