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Family relationships

It's normal for families not to get along with each other sometimes. Every family has problems from time to time, even if they are usually happy and don't often argue.

Family issues

Family issues
Sometimes things can be difficult at home with your family.  You don't have to hide it - ChildLine is here to help

Transcript

My mum’s really ill. She’s been ill for ages. I have to look after her and my little sisters too. It’s not her fault but she needs me all the time and doing her medicine and everything takes hours. I never get to do anything.

So one day I went out with my mates after school, just down the shops. It was only a couple of hours but when I got back, Mum was, like, so angry. She said if I didn’t want to help then I should just leave. I was so angry I went to my mate’s house. But her Mum said I should go home.

I saw a ChildLine ad on Bebo, and I emailed them. The counsellor listened to me – they helped me find the words to tell Mum how I was feeling. And they told me who we could call to get some help. 

Me and Mum talked about it. We made friends again, and got some help from Social Services. I’m glad I talked to ChildLine.

 
 
 
 
 

Is it normal for families not to get on with each other sometimes?
Yes.

What kinds of thing can affect families?
Every family has problems from time to time, even if they are usually happy and get on. Sometimes your family might go through a bad time which can be upsetting for everyone. Some of the issues that might be worrying you about your family might include:

If you are worried about any of these things, you can talk to ChildLine at anytime.

If you want to help people to deal with problems at home and other issues, find out about how to set up a peer support scheme in your school.

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  • My parents are arguing, is it my fault?

    It can be very upsetting if your parents are arguing, but it is not your fault. Parents have a lot of responsibilities and this can be very stressful. There are lots of things that they could be arguing about but it is very unlikely to be your fault.

  • I argue with my parents all the time, what can I do?

    It can be frustrating when parents don't let you do the things you want to do. Arguing can make you feel angry and upset, and your parents will feel like this too. Try to talk to your parents calmly. If you listen to what they have to say, they are more likely to listen to you.

  • My parents are forcing me into getting married, what can I do?

    A forced marriage is one where people are made to get married against their will. It may also involve physical or emotional abuse.

    A forced marriage is different from an arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage, people have a choice about whether they get married or not. Arranged marriages are a cultural tradition for many people, but forced marriages are an abuse of human rights.

    If you are being forced into marrying someone you don't want to, or are worried that you might be forced into marriage, you can get help. If you can't talk to your parents or another appropriate adult, we can help you find the support you need.

    You can talk to ChildLine anytime about how you feel and if you are having problems with your parents.

Other sites that can help

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Have you got something to say, or want to ask a question? Visit the message board to have your say.

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Take a look at the video section to find videos about lots of issues

Do you ever argue with your family?

Let it out
Family relationships 

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