hi sam, my mum and dad need to understand boundaries. they always expect more when i have nothing left to give, sometimes i get scare coming home because they will have gone through my room and i dont like it. the worst part is its both of my parents calling me not enough so i done know what to do. my friends always wonder why i flinch every time someone moves and i want to be able to tell them but they wouldnt understand, they always talk about their parents being there for them and i really want to know what thats like, having parents who actually say sorry or who actually say they love you not ones who dont speak to you unless its a mean or negative comment.
Sam
Hi there,
Everybody deserves to feel safe and cared for at home. Every family is different, but it’s never okay for your parents to leave you feeling scared to go home.
It’s not always easy to realise whether emotional abuse is happening. It’s something that happens over time and can leaving like you’re worthless or you’ve done something wrong. Abuse is never your fault.
When you’re being put down or abused at home, it’s important to get support. Talking to an adult you trust about what’s happening is the best way to do that. Talking about things isn’t about getting your parents in trouble and you’re not doing anything wrong by talking. Telling someone can help them to show you that it’s not okay and can make sure you’re getting the right support.
If it’s feeling difficult to talk, there are things that can help. If you feel safe to, it can help to write down the things that are happening at home. Having everything written down can help you to feel more confident that what’s happening is abuse, and it can help you to show someone else what’s going on. We’ve got loads of advice on ways to start a conversation.
No matter what you decide, Childline is also there to help. Sharing what’s happening with a counsellor can give you time and space to let things out safely. Our counsellors are here to support you with anything that’s happening, you never have to cope alone.
Take care,
Sam
Need help straight away?
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
Ask me a question
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.
