Hi there
Thank you for your letter, you have done the right thing in writing to me. It sounds like you are having a tough time at home right now and I am concerned for you. I can see how important it is for you to get a scholarship, it sounds like your mum would be pleased. However, it does not change the fact that the hitting, pinching and kicking, that you say mum does to you, is wrong and should not be happening. What she says and does to you is abusive and I imagine that it is hurtful and painful physically and emotionally. You don’t deserve to be treated this way. You can get help in stopping this if that is what you want. I wonder whether you have thought about telling someone who knows you, about what is happening at home. I imagine that this may be difficult for you to do but perhaps you could think of telling an adult that you trust - like one of your teachers. You could also contact a ChildLine counsellor on 0800 1111 or have a 1-2-1 chat (like msn). You don’t have to go through this alone - there is help out there.
You describe your piano and violin as being your best friends and I am glad that you are able to use your music to help you get through these tough times. It must be frustrating that your dad doesn’t understand how much your music means to you and is unable to support you.
You also describe yourself as being funny, open and fun amongst your friends and I wonder whether you could think about how your friends would react if they knew what was really behind your smile. I say this because at times it helps to talk about our feelings rather than hiding them away and suffering in silence.
Remember you have done the right thing in writing to me and I think you should be proud that you have made this first step in seeking some help. I hope that you are able to think about the things I have suggested in this letter.
Take care
Sam