Hi @missymoo13 thank you for sharing more about what you’re going through here. I can't imagine how incredibly difficult this situation must be for you. It's evident from your post that you're experiencing immense pain and worry over your daughter's safety and well-being. Your concerns are completely valid, and it's understandable that you feel overwhelmed by grief and loss.  It's deeply concerning to hear about the domestic and family violence your daughter has experienced and the challenges you're facing in seeking help and protection for her. No parent should have to endure the pain of feeling powerless to protect their child from harm. Your dedication to pursuing legal avenues to recover your daughter and ensure her safety is truly commendable, and I hope you're able to access the resources and assistance you need to navigate this situation. One resource you may find helpful is 1800RESPECT, a national helpline providing support and information for individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic violence. They offer confidential support and can connect you with local services and resources tailored to you and your daughters needs. Your daughter's well-being is a priority, and I urge you to continue seeking support and advocating for her safety. You're not alone in this journey, please know that there are people and organisations ready to assist you. With everything you’re going through, I'm wondering if you have any current supports for yourself at the moment, whether that be a family member, friend, or mental health professional? Additionally, are there any coping strategies that have helped you get through the difficult emotions this situation has brought up for you?  Please remember to prioritise self-care during this challenging time. It's so important to take care of yourself as you navigate through these difficult circumstances.  ... View more

Hi @missymoo13 , welcome to the ReachOut community! It takes strength to reach out for support, and your willingness to connect here shows just how resilient you are as a parent. It's clear that you care deeply about your children and their well-being.  I’m really sorry to hear about the challenges you and your family have faced and are currently facing. Dealing with family violence and the subsequent impacts on your children sounds incredibly painful and overwhelming, and I wanted to acknowledge your courage in facing such difficult circumstances. It's understandable to feel let down by systems that were meant to protect your family. Your commitment to self-care amidst these circumstances is admirable. Taking care of yourself, no matter how small the gesture, is crucial during tough times. Your tip for parents navigating the teenage years is insightful and reflective of your understanding of the importance of giving teens the space to grow and discover themselves. It can be really important to strike that balance between offering support and granting independence.  I encourage you to create your own thread here to share more about your journey and to connect with other parents who may be going through similar challenges. And I wish you all the luck in finding connection and support within the ReachOut community ... View more

Hi @CatMaman , welcome to the ReachOut community! It’s wonderful to have you here  Thank you for opening up about your situation. Being a single mother and caring for a teenage daughter is an enormous responsibility, and it's completely understandable that you feel isolated at times. I’m really glad that you’re taking the steps to reach out for support, your well-being matters just as much as your daughters.  I want you to know that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many other parents in similar situations also struggle with isolation and longing for social connection and a break from their responsibilities, like going out for dinners or movies. I hope you are able to connect with such parents and carers here in these forums.  Seeking out support groups or communities is an excellent idea. They can be a great way of connecting with others who truly understand your experiences. Carers gateway might be a good option for finding peer support groups in your local community, and you could also explore their online community. Additionally, it might also be worth searching for local support groups on platforms like Facebook. Sometimes you can stumble upon informal support groups initiated by members of your community. I was also wondering if you have any current supports for yourself at the moment, whether that be a family member, friend, or mental health professional? Are there any coping strategies that have helped you get through moments of isolation? We'd love for you to keep us updated about your experience in finding a support group. And please remember, you're always welcome to reach out for support here whenever you need it. You're not alone on this journey. ... View more

Hi @Van100 , welcome to the ReachOut forums - it's wonderful to have you here  It sounds like you and your daughter have faced some significant challenges, and my heart goes out to both of you. Witnessing your child being subjected to bullying is incredibly tough, and it's understandable that you took the necessary steps to protect her well-being by pulling her out of school. The added complexity of homeschooling, particularly for a child dealing with neurodiversity, depression, and anxiety, would undoubtedly be challenging. Your dedication as a parent in supporting her education despite these difficulties is truly commendable. It's understandable that she might find it difficult to engage given these circumstances, and I can also imagine how tough it is for you to see her struggle. Regarding your daughter's mental health, I was wondering if she is receiving any support for her depression and anxiety? In regards to homeschooling, I'm wondering if you have had the chance to talk to her about why she's finding it hard to engage in her online homeschooling? Having an open conversation with her might help uncover specific challenges she's facing, which could guide the type of support she needs. I'm also curious to hear about the support avenues you've already explored. Knowing what you've tried can help us suggest additional resources or strategies that you might not have considered yet. One service I wanted to suggest trying out if you haven’t already is our free 1:1 parent coaching service, which you can find more info about here. I’m mindful that supporting a child through homeschooling and mental health issues simultaneously is a huge responsibility, and it's important to prioritise your own well-being too. How have you been coping during these challenging times? Do you have any support systems in place for yourself as well?  ... View more

Hi @Confusedmum2007 , welcome to the ReachOut community - it's great to have you here  Thank you for sharing a bit about your situation, it sounds like you're going through a challenging time navigating your son's preferences and balancing family activities. It's completely understandable that you feel anxious when trying to encourage him to participate in family events, especially when you're met with resistance. Finding the balance between encouraging your son to engage in family activities and respecting his preferences can indeed be tricky, especially during the teenage years when autonomy becomes more important. Have you had a chance to have an open and honest conversation with your son about your concerns? It might be helpful to hear his feelings out while also expressing your thoughts on the importance of family gatherings to you. Perhaps there's room for compromise where he feels heard and understood while still participating in some family activities.  In case you’re interested in learning about ways to help your son manage his screen time, I wanted to share two articles from the Raising Children's Network. These touch on tips for finding a balance between screen time with other activities - you can access them here and here.  Remember that every family dynamic is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to when to let go. Try to trust your instincts and communicate openly with your son as you navigate this phase together. You're doing your best as a parent, and that's something to be proud of. ... View more