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 Chalke5, Many thanks for sharing your experience! I greatly appreciate it! I think my 16 year old is debating the option that your son has chosen too. He is in year 10 and is looking forward to next year when he can focus on what he is interested in. He has a very high IQ and is very good at filtering out! I presume that makes our boys good at sports. However, education prefers the all rounders and those who comply easily and get on with what the authorities and the curriculum demands. So fingers crossed for next year as it will be the make or break for us too.. I think I have settled now with the thought as I know doesn't matter what career they get into in life! As long as they take it seriously, I'm sure they will excel in that too. ... View more