Ask Sam letter

Hello,

I’m really glad that you decided to write to me – it’s great that you can tell me how you feel and ask for some help.

Family relationships can be very difficult. Sometimes brothers and sisters argue but it is always wrong for anyone to hit you and to threaten you. It is good that you tell your mum what happens but I can hear you feel she is not doing enough to help you.

Sometimes when people are being treated badly they can start to feel it is there fault. I would like you to remember that it is not your fault. What your brother is saying and doing is wrong and should be stopped. Maybe you can tell your mum how left out and hurt you feel when she doesn’t do anything.

I can see how alone you feel when you are at home and I wonder if your brothers know how hurt you feel when they are mean to you. Sometimes people say things without knowing how much it might hurt someone else – maybe you could ask your mum to get all of you to sit down and talk about what is happening.

You might also want to think about talking to another adult who you trust - like a teacher or a grandparent.

Having problems at home can make people feel very upset so it is really important that you spend more time doing things that make you happy. You could play some games on the ChildLine website, speak to friends, draw pictures, watch a favourite programme, or read a good book.

I hope the things I have suggested help you – but remember that you can also speak with a ChildLine counsellor by phoning free on 0800 1111, sending an email or having a 1-2-1 chat which is like instant messenger. The counsellors will listen to you and try to help you.

Take care,
Sam