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You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
Hi,
Thanks for your letter.
Im really glad that you decided to get in touch with me. Its never okay for anyone to say mean things to you or call you nasty names. It sounds like the relationship with your family can sometimes feel quite stressful and chaotic. You have a right to feel safe and happy at home.
Are there ever any calmer moments at home when you might be able to talk to both (or even just one) of your parents about how this is affecting you?
Sometimes it can be helpful to have an adult that you trust helping you to talk to your parents. This could be another family member, a family friend or a teacher. They can be there to make sure that any conversations stay calm and fair. You may want to read our page on asking an adult for help.
Youve also told me that you have experienced bullying at school. Bullying can start for no reason at all and it is always wrong. It sounds like it might have been really hurtful when your mum made that comment. When someone puts you down continually it's called emotional abuse.
If someone's hearing negative things over and over, it can start to make them wonder if those things are true. In the same way, bullying can affect someone's confidence and self-esteem. Its never okay for anyone to put you down. Maybe you could check out our tips about building your confidence and self-esteem.
One good idea for coping is to keep a diary of what happens and how it makes you feel. If you ever feel ready to ask an adult for help, they can get a really clear idea of whats happening at home by reading your diary.
Youve said that you were worried ChildLine might not take you seriously and I want you to know that ChildLine would always take you seriously. We want to be there to support you. We can support your sister too, if she is under 19.
You can call a counsellor free (even from a mobile) on 0800 1111, or you can have an online 1-2-1 chat. No problem is ever too big or too small to talk to ChildLine about.
I hope some of this helps.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.