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Parents
Families are all different; some are large and some are small; some are close and others are not. As you get older you will find that your family can either be really supportive or a complete pain, depending on how you're feeling at the time. What’s important for you may not seem to be important for your parents. As you develop you may feel that you want to keep things a bit more to yourself. You probably resent restrictions on your freedom and don't like being asked where you're going all the time. Your parents may feel they have lost any sort of control or influence over you. Parents worry about their children and want to make sure you are always safe and therefore it can be hard for them to ‘let go’ as you become more independent.
Family break down
Sometimes parental relationships break-down and this can place a massive strain on your family relationship. Family members can go through a range of different emotions whilst they sort themselves out. You can read more about the break down of relationships in our article on divorce.
Things are bad at home
Sometimes things at home can be very bad for you or members of your family. This could include:
If you are experiencing any of these then it is important that you get help by telling someone about it. This could be someone you trust like a close friend or your teacher. You can also contact one of the help lines below.
Help lines
- Connexions Direct – 080 800 13 2 19, by text on 07766 4 13 2 19, by textphone 08000 968 336
- Samaritans – 0845 7 90 90 90
- ChildLine – 0800 1111
Useful websites
Colchester Youth Enquiry Service (YES)
Colchester YES is a charity that helps support young people between the ages of 11 and 25. Provides help with homelessness, housing and family mediation.
Relate
Relate North Essex offers support for families, couples and individuals who are having problems with close relationships. Relate offers counselling for young people worried about their parents, step-parents or friends at school.
Families Need Fathers
A charity concerned with the problems of maintaining a child's relationship with both parents during and after family breakdown.
Its Not Your Fault
Provides practical information for young people and parents going through a family break-up.
Bursting the Bubble
Help and advice for teenagers on family problems.
Women’s Aid
Information on domestic violence, refuge contacts and confidential helpline.
The Hideout
Domestic violence - What it is and how it can make young people feel.
The Site
Provides factsheets and articles on all the key issues facing young people.
Need 2 Know: Relationships
Provides information on bullying, friendships and family.
Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support.
ChildLine
A counselling service for children and young people.
NSPCC
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Last updated: 20/06/11
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