Hi  @Carolined welcome to ReachOut and thank you for sharing. It sounds like there has been some change with your daughter recently. I'm wondering if there is anything particular going on for her at school that's making her not want to attend? Has she expressed any other areas of interest in terms of study or work? I'm sorry to hear that her school refusal has been getting you down, is there a school counsellor that you both could speak to? I completely agree with your tip about being consistent and following through. It sounds like you enjoy spending time with your kids on the weekend  Please also feel free to start a brand new thread topic for further support. We're here for you  ... View more

Hi @Hootbayne it sounds like you are able to get some down time once you return to work each Monday which is good. It must be hard for your partner but at the same time I'm sure she appreciates the support you have been giving. That must be so difficult that he is refusing to attend sessions. I'm wondering what strategies they have provided and if you are finding it helpful? We're here to listen and support you.  ... View more

Hi @Skyfly I'm sorry to hear about everything you and your son have been going through and that he has been self harming. I can only imagine how heart breaking and difficult that must be. It sounds like you are doing what you can by taking his tools out of his room and it's great that you and your son will see a therapist tomorrow, do let us know how you go. Also, to respond or tag another user in a response add an "@" symbol before their username and it will tag them - I've edited your post to tag the user you've requested We're here to listen and support you.  ... View more

Hi @Bust-er1234 welcome to ReachOut, thank you for sharing. I'm sorry to hear that your daughter has been going through a really tough time, it sounds like she has a lot going on. It's good to hear that she has been getting support from a psychiatrist and social worker. I'm wondering if they have provided any strategies to manage her self-harming behaviour and other coping mechanisms? Just letting you know I've just had to edit some content as per Community Guidelines. If she requires some further supports at home when she is struggling she could contact KidsHelpline, eHeadspace or Lifeline which have phone and webchat counselling support available. In terms of building up her confidence and self-esteem does she have anything she is really passionate about or interested in? Are there activity or social groups she could join to make new friends that have similar interests? I can only imagine what you must be going through right now. Do you currently have any supports yourself? I'm going to tag other members for further advice and  support @sunflowermom @Schooner @Helpful_Mum @lizard0812  As this is an older thread, you are welcome to create a new thread topic to receive further support from the community. We're here for you  ... View more

Hi @taokat thanks for getting in contact and providing us an update on how things are going. I'm sorry you've had that experience with the psychiatrists, that is an awful position to be in and you don't deserve that at all.   It's great that you are seeking support from Mission Australia, do let us know how you go with them. It's good to hear that your daughter will be starting a graphic design course and that it's something she'll enjoy. Thank you for all the support you have provided to many of our members here, we are here to listen and support you too   ... View more

Hi @Sazzy welcome to ReachOut, thank you for sharing with us. I'm sorry to hear that your son is having trouble connecting with friends, that must be isolating for him. I'm wondering if he has received any support from a Counsellor regarding his anxiety and social issues? If he is interested, a good option is eHeadspace who provide free telephone counselling or webchat support both for the young person and parent. It's great that he is learning to overcome these with a positive mindset. What are some of his interests? Getting him involved in a social activity sounds like a great idea. I'm going to tag some of our members for further support and advice @taokat @Schooner @compassion @sunflowermom  ... View more

Hi @kullboys welcome to ReachOut  Just letting you know I am going to send you an email so please keep a look out.  ... View more

Hi @Mumsy welcome to ReachOut. I'm sorry to hear that you are going through the same thing with your 14 year old, it sounds like you're struggling. I'm wondering if you have spoken to a Counsellor or School Counsellor about this? What specifically has been happening for you and your son or daughter? As this is an older thread, please feel free to post a new one which will allow other members to see it and provide some support. We're here for you  ... View more

Hi @Cinna101 welcome to ReachOut and thank you for sharing  Your kids sound adorable and great to hear they had fun dressing up as different characters. Listening to music is a great way to de-stress, something I do too. It sounds like you are after some advice in regards to some difficulty you are experiencing with your daughter. What is happening for you specifically? You are most welcome to post a new thread about this as it will allow other members to see your new post and be able to provide support too  We're here to listen and support you.  ... View more

Hi @Hales123 welcome to ReachOut and thank you for sharing with us. It sounds like you are having a really difficult time with your daughter and I'm sorry to hear that she has been threatening. You have given your daughter a wonderful upbringing and it's clear that she is really loved and supported. I'm wondering how long she has been behaving this way? It must feel terrible to be blamed for the abortion, it is not your fault. It sounds like your daughter is going through a lot. Do you currently have any supports in place or considered chatting to a Counsellor about what has been going on? I'm going to tag some of our members for further support and advice @sunflowermom @compassion @Faob_1 @Schooner We're here for you  ... View more

Hi @ihavefailed thanks for reaching out to us. It sounds like a really difficult position to be in, particularly when you feel like you have tried everything. The counselling support he received was that from a specialled Drug and Alcohol Counsellor or School Counsellor? Did they provide any helpful strategies? I'm going to tag some of our members for further support and advice @Dad4good @sunflowermom @compassion @Schooner ... View more

Hi @Help_needed I'm sorry to hear of the difficulty you have been experiencing with your daughter and the toll it has taken on you. It sounds like you have all been through so much particularly with her acquired brain injury and anxiety. CAMHS sound like a good option in terms of getting further support. You are a caring, loving and supportive parent, she is lucky to have you. Stay strong . We're here for you.  ... View more

Hi @Stilllearning welcome to ReachOut and thank you for sharing. I'm sorry to hear that you have been experiencing difficulty with your son. Moving out can definitely provide the opportunity of having space and also a chance for him to appreciate all the things you do for him. It's hard when they are not in a financial position to be self-supporting and yes people move out a lot later these days as cost of living continues to increase. Is he currently studying or working? Has communication always been difficult or is that fairly recent? I'm wondering if you've been able to chat to him about what you need from him while he's living under your roof now that he's of adult age? You are also welcome to start a brand new thread topic if you'd like further support from the community. We're here to listen  ... View more

Hi @Artgirl thanks for reaching out to us. It sounds like it's been difficult for him to find a holiday job particularly living in a regional area with not as many opportunities. As @Taylor-RO mentioned earlier, has he seen or spoken to a health professional or counsellor regarding depression and social anxiety? Some other options could be contacting Kids Helpline or eHeadspace, both provide free counselling support via phone or webchat. They can also provide support for parents too or link to relevant services. Are there any community events or activities he could get involved in to meet new people? If he has anxiety around others, is there someone that he knows that could go with him?  ... View more

Hi @Orbit64 thanks for getting in touch and providing us with an update. It sounds like things have escalated since your last post and has been an incredibly challenging time. I'm sorry to hear of the incidences that have occurred, that must have been an awful time for you and your family. I can only imagine the mix of emotions you must be going through, on the one hand it's not great that he's in youth detention but on the other hand it's good that your son has been drug free since December 5th and that he is safe. It sounds like you've done a lot of work and document preparation for his court hearing. I hope all goes well and that your son is able to get support in a treatment program  ... View more

Hi @compassion it sounds like 2018 was an incredibly challenging year  I understand what you are saying in regards to trauma and the way that the past events have impacted you. I'm sorry to hear that things became darker for you and the world has felt smaller. I'm glad to hear that you have had amazing support from family and friends at the toughest of times. I think gratitude, action and more 'yes' and sitting with the discomfort of not knowing are very positive ways to enter into the new year. I'm not sure if I can offer any additional words of wisdom but I find practicing mindfulness, taking a deep breath, going one day at a time, reaching out to my supports and celebrating small wins helps me. I'm sure some of our members will be able to provide some further advice  ... View more

Hi @lizard0812 I'm sorry to hear of your struggles and that you are constantly feeling on edge. I'm wondering if you have any supports in place for yourself or if you could speak to a Counsellor on eHeadspace or Lifeline? Both have phone and webchat support available. It's good to hear things have been settled for the last week with your boy. It's important to get some support for the fears and concerns you have been experiencing. We're here for you  ... View more

@Faob_1 thank you for sharing with us. It sounds like last year's Christmas was a really challenging one and I'm sorry to hear what has happened with your son. I really hope that this year is better and like you said a fresh start for us all, with love and well wishes ... View more

Hi @Honey welcome to ReachOut thanks for your post . Do you have a particular situation you were thinking of that other parents can help you with?  ... View more

Hi @hippychick thanks for the update. Glad to hear the lady you spoke to was very helpful and that she advised of the options. Let us know how he goes   ... View more

Hi @Luna20 welcome to ReachOut and thanks for sharing. I'm sorry to hear you've been having a difficult time with your daughter. I'm wondering if there might be someone else that she might be comfortable talking to about it? Perhaps another family member or a counsellor? I'm going to tag some members for further advice and support @sunflowermom @taokat @Schooner @Mumof1. We're here to listen and support you.  ... View more

Hi @FreakedOut thank you for sharing and reaching out to us also. I'm sorry to hear that you are going through something similar and living in fear for your daughter. It sounds like you could do with some further support as you mentioned the restraining order. I would suggest contacting 1800 RESPECT for some information and support. You could also contact your local courthouse or police station for further information on applying for one. We're here for you.  ... View more

Hi @Orbit64 it sounds like an extremely hard and heart breaking decision but you are putting in healthy boundaries  I wanted to check in to see how you are doing since your last post? How is your son?  ... View more

Hi @Moloko it's great to hear that you are having a lovely day with your daughter and that she is feeling happy and settled  Teenage years are such a roller coaster ride so it's wonderful when you are able to have days like today. I'm sorry to hear you have felt a bit judged by other parents. It's great that you are able to talk with friends that keep it real and tell it like it is by sharing their own struggles. We're always here to listen  ... View more

Hi @Dragonfly12029 welcome to ReachOut. Could you please provide more information? Do you mean you could provide resources to enable a particular result? Typically parents will post on the forum for support on different situations which you'll be able to see in the thread topics. Here are the community guidelines for your reference also  ... View more

Hi @lovealways8 thank you for sharing your story. I can only imagine how difficult it was when you found out your daughter had been self-harming. I'm sorry to hear that her father was very abusive, that must have been a very challenging and frightening time. It's great to hear that she has been receiving support from the doctor, counsellor and family. That is wonderful news that she is no longer hurting herself, you are doing an amazing job being there for her  I hope you get a chance for some self-care also. ... View more

Hi @Aria43 I'm sorry to hear that your son has depression. I think the suggestion of some local supports and starting with your GP would be helpful. Is there a school counsellor available that he could chat with? How are you looking after yourself during this time?  ... View more

Hi @Adrianr29 you and your boyfriend sound really good for each other  It's great to hear that he has you for support when previously he didn't have anyone to go to for advice. While it must be frustrating to see his daughter not take any responsibility or act spoiled, it sounds like you are having a positive influence on your boyfriend. It may be a slow and gradual process, it does sound like you are making progress as you mentioned she is starting to see his happiness matters. What are some suggestions you think would be helpful in this situation that you could discuss with your boyfriend? What is your relationship like with his daughter and are you able to spend more time together? I'm going to tag some members for some further support and advice @Chalke5 @Helpful_Mum @Dad4good @hippy_mum ... View more

Hi @Justcantcope welcome to ReachOut and thank you for sharing. I'm sorry to hear of the difficulties your daughter is experiencing with her mental health, drugs and alcohol and being sexually assaulted. That is awful and no one should have to experience that. Has she reported the assault and spoken to her counsellor about it for some support?    It sounds like a really challenging situation for both of you and heartbreaking to hear that she is being aggressive towards you and has caused damage to the property. I'm worried about your well-being as you mentioned you feel like you are being held hostage. Are you currently receiving any support yourself? I would recommend contacting 1800 RESPECT who offer counselling support for victims of violence and abuse. They have a telephone or webchat option available 24/7. I'm going to tag some of our members for further support and advice @sunflowermom @compassion @Helpful_Mum @taokat. We're here to listen and support you  ... View more

Hi @Adrianr29 that definitely sounds like a tough position to be in, wanting to set some boundaries but on the other hand not wanting to step on anyone's toes. It's really hard when we walk into a situation where people are set in their ways and then not being sure of how to influence some positive changes without upsetting anyone. It sounds like there's going to be a bit of transition with your boyfriend's daughter moving out of state after graduation. Has your boyfriend advised if he plans to move as well? You also said you've mentioned a few things, how did that conversation go? We're here to listen and support you.  ... View more