Ask Sam letter

Hi there,

Thanks for your letter. You've been very brave to write to me about what’s happening at home.

I can hear how much your dad’s drinking upsets you and it sounds like it can be very scary when dad comes in after drinking. It sounds like it's hard to concentrate on your homework when you’re parents end up fighting. It also seems like you might worry when your dad is out and what it will be like when he comes home.

I want you to know that what’s happening at home is wrong and not your fault. It’s wrong that your parents are not looking after your needs and not protecting you from their problems and fighting. This is a form of emotional abuse. 

It’s difficult for me to tell what things are like for you when your dad isn’t drunk and what your relationship is like with your mum. Maybe you could talk to your mum about how much it upsets you and see if you can both find a way so that you feel safe at home. You can also read more about parents and alcohol.

I’m pleased you’ve taken the brave step to write to me and get some support. You might find it helpful to talk to one of the ChildLine counsellors about this. I know they speak to other young people about similar worries and they would really want to support you. 

You can call them on 0800 1111 (it’s free, even from your mobile and won’t show up on phone bills), you can log-on for a 1-2-1 chat or you can send an email.

Take care,
Sam