About Hannah_RO

Hannah_RO

Hi @missmoneypenny I just caught up on your thread and wanted to chime in and see how things are going today? I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you and you're son are facing. It sounds like you and your son are really going through it at the moment. I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. I can only imagine the impact this loss has had on both you and your son. Though some time has passed, I understand that grief and the absence of a parent can continue to affect families. How are you and your son are managing with this aspect of your lives? It is a shame that the school psychologists are fully booked, private psychologists appointments can indeed be financially challenging. In saying that, I wanted to share a couple of free support services, Headspace and Kids Helpline, that might be beneficial for your son during this time. Given everything on your plate, I wanted to check in with your well-being too. Supporting a child through difficult times can take a toll, and it's crucial to prioritise your own self-care. Do you have someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or counselor, who you can chat with about these challenges? Taking care of yourself is just as vital as caring for your son

Hannah_RO

Hi @blueskies , I noticed your past engagement in the forums and wanted to welcome you back to the community! I am deeply sorry to hear about your son’s diagnosis. I can’t begin to imagine the difficulty that both your son and your family are facing at this time. Your son’s stoic nature and decision not to engage with support services may indeed be his way of coping, and your concern about his refusal for support is completely understandable. It’s clear that you care deeply about your son, and only want the best for him. It's great to hear that you have tried to gently encourage your son to consider a session with the counsellor. It sounds like you are doing what you can to support your son to receive the emotional support he needs to get through this tough time. If you haven’t already, I wonder if it could be worth opening up an open and honest conversation with your son about the concerns you’re having about his emotional well-being, and about the kinds of support services that he would be open to looking into? Supporting your child through a challenging time can be emotionally draining, so also wanted to check in on you and your well-being. Do you have any supports for your own well-being during this time? Additionally, are there any other family members being impacted that may also need support? Taking care of yourself is so important in being a strong support system for your son.

Hannah_RO

Hi @Raksha05, welcome to the ReachOut community! It’s lovely to have you here Thank you for sharing a bit about you and your family - it’s heartwarming to hear those moments when your kids brought laughter into your days. It sounds like your family enjoys a lot of fun and joy together! It's great to hear that you've found solace in taking walks and leaning on your husband for support. Those moments of respite are so important for recharging, and can offer a much-needed breather from the overwhelming aspects of parenting. I'm really sorry to hear about the difficulties you’re facing in getting the support you need from the health system, and the feelings of failing as a parent you are experiencing. Parenting certainly comes with its challenges, it's important to remember no one has all the answers or gets everything right all the time. It's clear from your post how deeply you love and care for your children, which speaks volumes about your dedication to parenting and supporting your children. I know that many parents experience similar feelings of self-doubt and don’t always openly discuss it. It was really brave of you to reach out here, and I am hoping that you are able to connect with other parents who relate to your experiences. I really like your advice to remember to breathe and believe in the presence of a “rainbow at the end”. It’s a reminder that challenges are temporary, and there’s always hope ahead. Now that you’ve introduced yourself, feel free to post your own thread about anything that's on your mind. You’re not alone in this journey, we are here to support you.

Hannah_RO

Hi @jeanluc , I'm really sorry to hear about your baby's eczema worsening and the toll it's taking on your partner's well-being. While our resources are primarily focused on supporting individuals aged 14-25, I want to offer guidance that might be helpful to you and your family. For resources specifically tailored to babies, the Raising Children’s Network could be a valuable source of information and support. Additionally, have you consulted a doctor regarding your baby’s eczema? Medical advice is crucial in addressing and managing this condition effectively. As for your partner's well-being, is she currently receiving any professional support? Sometimes, seeking guidance and assistance from a qualified professional can make a significant difference in coping with these challenges. I understand this is a difficult time, and it's incredibly important to prioritise both your baby's health and your partner's well-being. If you need any further assistance or guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Hannah_RO

Hi @Mum333 , welcome to the ReachOut community! Thank you for sharing a little bit about your situation regarding your son. The challenges your son faces with self-confidence and social interactions seem really tough, and your concerns for his well-being are completely understandable. It’s clear that you care deeply about your son’s well-being and want to strike the right balance between validating his feelings and encouraging a more positive outlook, which isn’t always easy. Listening to your son’s concerns is an important step, and it’s great that you’re providing a supportive environment for him to express himself. Helping your son develop positive coping mechanisms for handling social conflict is another important step, and it’s great to see you already incorporating this into your support. If you’re open to exploring additional strategies, we have resources available on building self-confidence and resilience in teens that might offer new insights or techniques to support your son. For example, we have one article on self-confidence and teenagers and another on coping skills, resilience, and teenagers. I hope you find these resources helpful :) I am also curious as to whether you can recall specific times or situations in which your son feels most confident? Reflecting on these moments may help to identify his skills or attributes that he’s proud of. By recognising his strengths, you may be able to encourage him to leverage them, which may boost his confidence in challenging situations. I'd love to hear your thoughts around this.

Hannah_RO · ‎08-30-2023

Racism is never acceptable, and is something that no one should have to face. Unfortunately racism is still very present and is something that many people experience in their day to day life. Racism can have significant negative impacts on individuals and can impact many aspects of their life, including their social and emotional wellbeing. As a parent, it’s important to equip yourself with the tools to support your teenager through these experiences. Whether they’ve personally experienced racism, witnessed it, or want to become allies, here are some resources to help guide you: What is racism: It’s important to understand what racism is and how it manifests. Even better, educate yourself on different forms of racism and how to recognise them: Understanding racism and how to spot it Supporting Your Teenager Experiencing Racism can be especially difficult for young people. It's important for them to know that they’re not alone and that you’re there to listen and support them. One step in this direction is to encourage open conversations about their experiences and feelings. See resources below: Navigating racism with your teen Helping your teen cope with racism Talking to your teen about their culture and race Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth: Racism is something that a lot of mob experience. Whether it be at school, work or in public, it is tough to deal with and can have big impacts on how our young people feel and on their emotional wellbeing. Let your teenager know that they don’t have to deal with racism on their own, and that having a yarn to someone about it can make them feel better. Remind them how deadly they are - they are part of the longest living culture in the world, and their ancestors are all with them in spirit to guide them and give them strength. If you think that your teen may want to connect with, hear from, ask for advice or share about what they’re going through with other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members, you can encourage them to join the Youth community and check out our new First Nations Yarning space in the Youth forums here. We also wanted to share some ways for teens to keep safe and look after themselves when dealing with racism. Feel free to pass these onto your teen, and if you have any others, we would love for you to share them with us. Stay connected to culture and your mob/local community. This article shares some ways to connect with the community. Have a yarn to someone about what's been going on for you and about how you are feeling. We have a list of support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here. Join the ReachOut yarning space on the online youth community. How to respond to racism and stay safe online: eSafety has some stories for mob and tips to help you stay safe and deadly online. Find them here or by looking up ‘First Nations eSafety’. Responding to racism. Take a break from the news, social media, and the comments section. One of the downsides to social media is that now more than at any other time in history, we can read hundreds of thousands of people's opinions at once, which is a lot to handle, especially when reading about an issue that directly affects you and your community. Check in on your teen after they spend time online and offer them support if they want to chat about anything they've seen. Wellbeing supports for Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander young people: Finding health services that really understand what you're going through as a First Nations person can be tough. So, we've put together a list of resources to make it easier to find the right help for you. Health services These directories are all about helping you find health care that makes sense for you, whether you're dealing with a specific health issue or need some general support. National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). They provide a map of all the health services designed and run by the local community. Australian Indigenous Health Info Net. They map each state's health and medical services, including hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities. State-based services Here's a quick snapshot of each state's First Nations health services run by the local community. ACT Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service NSW Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of New South Wales NT Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory QLD Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council SA Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia TAS Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Inc VIC Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. WA The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia Mental Health Services Remember, your physical and social and emotional wellbeing are connected. So, if you're after mental health support, options are available. Search for national social and emotional well-being support services here. YARN13 is a 24/7 helpline run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can call them on 13 92 76. Brother To Brother is a 24/7 crisis helpline run by Aboriginal men, including Elders with lived experience. You can call them on 1800 435 799. Kids Helpline is a free phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. They are available 24/7 and you can call them on 1800 55 1800. Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis helpline for all Australians. It is free and you can call them on 13 11 14. Wellmob - information and resources for wellbeing iBobbly - a self-help app Thirrili - support for individuals, families, and communities affected by suicide or other significant trauma Yarn Safe - Mental health and well-being resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Manual of Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention - Practical resources and videos supporting positive mental health and wellbeing For Allies Support your teen to be an ally and stand up against racism: If your teen wants to know how to stand up against racism and how to be an ally for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, we have some articles below that can help them out: How to be an ally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Standing up to racism: How to support people from different cultural backgrounds Racism, it stops with me: Being an ally & Bystander action Other resources: ReachOut Yarn Up collection Racism it stops with me

Hannah_RO · ‎08-09-2023

Hi @LeeBelle , welcome to the ReachOut community! I’m so glad you decided to reach out here. You’re never too old to reach out for support, we could all use a little help and connection sometimes - grandparents included. It sounds like you have a wealth of life experience and wisdom to offer, especially when it comes to your own children and grandchildren. It’s heartwarming to hear that your grandchildren bring laughter to your life. I imagine that their youthful energy and joy can truly brighten any day. Your dedication to your family is truly admirable. Being there for them no matter what and creating those special memories, like camping trips, make a real impact. I really like your parent tip, and think it is an invaluable one at that. I’m really sorry to hear about your mum. Losing someone so important to you is incredibly tough. I noticed you mentioned that you’ve been looking for some help for yourself. Please feel free to start your own thread to chat about what’s on your mind. We will do our best to support you. I hope you find what you’re looking for here

Hannah_RO · ‎08-02-2023

Hi @Holly8 , welcome to the ReachOut community, and thank you for coming online and sharing a bit about your family’s story with us It's clear that you love and care deeply for your children, and it’s heart-warming to hear how proud you are of them both. Your son’s accomplishments and your daughter’s strength in dealing with her health concerns are truly inspiring. I’m really sorry to hear about the challenges your daughter is facing at school at the moment. Navigating school can be tough for any teenager, let alone for a young person dealing with ongoing physical and mental health issues. It’s great to hear that she is well-supported at her school. I wonder if the school has any advice to offer around alternative schooling options that might better accommodate her needs? In addition to the support from her school, is your daughter receiving any support with her mental and physical health challenges? There are many support services out there for people with disabilities and their families. You might find Amaze to be a helpful starting point in exploring additional support. It’s completely natural to worry about your daughter's future. As a parent, I'm sure you want nothing more than to make sure that your children are safe and able to take care of themselves. There are many ways to assist your daughter in becoming more independent and prepare her life beyond school (Amaze might be a good place to start). And when the time comes for your daughter to consider a career, please know that there are diverse and countless employment possibilities. There are many employment options, programs and services designed to support people living with disabilities in finding meaningful and fulfilling work. Supporting a young person through these challenges can be emotionally draining. Remember to prioritise your own well-being, and take moments for self-care and rest when needed. Please feel free to use these forums to connect to parents or simply share your thoughts. You are never alone in the challenges you face. We are here to listen and support you.

Hannah_RO · ‎08-02-2023

Hi @ihavequestions , I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a difficult time at the moment. It sounds like moving in with your partner and both of your children hasn’t been the easiest transition, especially when it comes to your relationship with your partner's daughters. I am really glad that you reached out for support today. Living in a situation with such conflict is not helpful for anyone involved, and it’s important to address these issues for the sake of you and your family’s well-being. Regarding your rights, seeking legal advice might be a good first step to understand your rights and options in this situation. The Family Relationships Online Advice Line might be worth reaching out to, as they can provide you with information about tenancy laws, family law, and any other relevant information that may apply to your situation. I am wondering if you have had a chance to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about the situation? Communicating your concerns and feelings regarding the family dynamics may help you both work together to find potential solutions and ensure your home is a safe environment for the whole family. Family counselling or therapy is also an option, and might help to address the issues and find a way to create a safe living environment for everyone involved. Family therapy can provide a safe space for open communication, conflict resolution, and understanding between family members. If this is something you are interested in, Relationships Australia is a great starting point. Remember to prioritise yours and your daughters safety and wellbeing. Reach out to trusted family members, friends, or professionals who can offer support and guidance through this difficult time. Take care, and I hope things improve for you and your family.

Hannah_RO · ‎07-17-2023

Hi @Ajsmumma thank you for reaching out and sharing your situation with us I'm really sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing with your daughter at the moment. It sounds like you have been through a lot together, supporting her through her mental health issues and experiences with bullying. It's understandable that you feel exhausted and worn down by the challenges you've been facing. I can imagine how tough it must be for you as a parent to deal with the behaviours your daughter has been displaying recently. Such challenges can put a strain on the parent-child relationship. It's completely understandable that you’re feeling hurt, rejected, and disconnected, especially when you've been there for her through so much. Parenting is a really tough job, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure at times. I am sorry to hear that counselling hasn’t been much help to you during this time. Besides your counsellor, do you have anyone supporting you at the moment? Such as a friend or family member? I wanted to share some articles that might be helpful to you. We have one on how to talk to your teen about vaping and another on effective communication with teens. We also have a free one-on-one parent coaching service that you can access here if you’re interested. Remember to be patient with yourself. Parenting is a continuous learning process, and no one has all the answers. You're doing the best you can, and your efforts as a caring parent are invaluable. Focus on taking care of yourself and finding moments of respite, even if they're brief. Celebrate the small victories and the times when you do feel hopeful or happy, even if they seem fleeting.

Hannah_RO · ‎06-26-2023

Hi @abc123abc , welcome to the ReachOut community! I am really glad you reached out here for support :) It sounds like you are going through an incredibly tough time at the moment. I am sorry to hear that your 16 year old is in hospital for mental health concerns. I can't imagine how devastating and worrying it has been for you to see your child go through this. How are they doing? and how are you holding up? It's completely understandable that looking after your family while your eldest is in the hospital is taking a toll on you emotionally. Finding moments of laughter and joy can be challenging when you're faced with such difficult circumstances. Your feelings of resentment and frustration are valid, and it's important to acknowledge them. Feeling like a failure as a parent is a distressing thought to have. It's important to remember that you're doing the best you can in a challenging situation. Sometimes, circumstances are beyond our control, and it's crucial to be kind to yourself and seek support. If you're up for a read, this article might be helpful. Do you have any support systems in place for yourself at the moment? It important to prioritise your own mental health and self-care, and reach out for support when you need it. Taking care of your own well-being might allow you to better support your children as well. You're doing the best you can in a difficult situation, and it's okay to acknowledge your own needs and emotions. I encourage you to take small steps towards self-care, seek support, and remember that you are not alone in this journey.

Hannah_RO · ‎06-26-2023

Hi @Luna1967 welcome to the ReachOut Community, its really nice to have you here I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you and your daughter are facing with her separation anxiety. I imagine for her that the constant fear of something terrible happening to you is incredibly debilitating. It's clear that you deeply care about her well-being and want to find a way to help her. It can be incredibly tough to witness your child struggling with such severe anxiety, especially when it affects their daily life so acutely. I can sense your love and concern for her well-being, and your willingness to make sacrifices to support her. It sounds like you have tried various approaches, including seeking help and making accommodations for her, but haven't found a solution that works for both you and your daughter yet. What are you thinking your next steps are? It's really important to take care of your own mental health as well. Do you have any support for yourself at the moment? Supporting a child with anxiety can be emotionally draining, so please remember to prioritise self-care and seek support for yourself. The services Chloe-RO shared above might be a good place to start if you are interested. You and your daughter don’t have to face this alone. We are here for you.

Hannah_RO · ‎06-19-2023

Hi @Nwsyd , it’s great to hear that you had a chance to chat with your daughter about the situation. It sounds like she was quite receptive to the conversation, and decided to have a chat with her boyfriend as a result. It's completely natural to have concerns about their well-being and safety. It's understandable that you want both sets of parents to be aware of the relationship so they can provide support and ensure a healthy start for your daughter and her boyfriend. While this might be the ideal, as your daughter's boyfriend is hesitant to share the information with his parents, it might be worth discussing this further with your daughter and exploring alternative ways to ensure their safety and well-being. I see that @Blake-RO has shared some articles on effective communication, building trust with your teen, and supporting teens through romantic relationships. Did you find any strategies in those articles that you’re wanting to try with your daughter? It’s a really tough situation to navigate, but it’s clear that you have your daughter's best interest and safety in mind, which is the most important thing

Hannah_RO · ‎06-19-2023

Hi @dad007007 , welcome to the ReachOut community! Thank you for reaching out and sharing your situation with us It seems that you and your wife have been facing the challenge of coming to an agreement with your daughter about going out with a boy at her age. It sounds like in this instance, you are wanting to establish a boundary, but you’re worried that your daughter might go behind your back. Sounds like an incredibly difficult situation to be in. I am wondering if you’ve had a chance to chat with your daughter about your concerns regarding going out with the boy from school? Having an open and honest conversation about your concerns might be a good starting point for discussing the boundaries you want to set. We have some really helpful articles that might be useful. There is one here on setting boundaries with your teenager, and one on effective communication with your teen here. Though I hear that you’re not comfortable with your daughter going out with a boy at this stage, I wanted to share an article on supporting your teen with romantic relationships here, for when these conversations start to come up at home. It sounds like you are trying your best to handle this situation with your daughter, and it's clear that you and your wife have her best interests and safety in mind. By reaching out here, I hope you can also connect with parents who might be facing similar situations with their teens.

Hannah_RO · ‎06-05-2023

Hi @Stepmom , welcome to the ReachOut forums - thanks for reaching out here Unfortunately with the limited resources we have on this topic, we are unable to offer much advice around this. It may be helpful to have an open and honest conversation with your husband about the concerns you're having. Have you been able to speak with your husband about this? Have there been any other aspects of the relationship between your husband and his daughters that has worried you?

Hannah_RO · ‎05-31-2023

Hi @blackcatbex , thank you for sharing more about what's going on for you and your daughter. I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you have both been facing. I can only imagine how heart-wrenching it is to see your daughter go through such difficulties every day. It sounds like you've been doing your best to provide support and create a safe environment for her. It is very heart-warming to read. It's great that you have found a support group and have close friends who understand and offer you support. Having a strong support network can make a significant difference in navigating life’s challenges. It's also lovely to hear that your daughter has found understanding and accepting friends who love her for who she is. It sounds like setting boundaries and removing toxic and judgmental people from your lives was a necessary step to take to protect yours and your daughter’s well-being. It's important to surround yourselves with people who are understanding and supportive. Your dedication to creating a safe and serene environment for your daughter is truly admirable. It's amazing how animals can have such a therapeutic effect, they provide such comfort and companionship too. It's great to hear that your daughter has found solace and a sense of talent and accomplishment in working with the horses. In the midst of caring for your daughter, I hope you are able to find time to take care of yourself too. It's okay to acknowledge that things are challenging, and allow yourself to prioritise self-care and seek support when you need it. Take care

Hannah_RO · ‎05-22-2023

Hi @Harry_potter , I am really sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re facing with your family. It sounds like it has been very challenging to navigate the ongoing conflict and tension between your partner and eldest daughter. Having your partner suggest that you must choose between them and your own child is undoubtedly a hurtful and devastating experience for a parent to go through. As you pointed out, this is especially concerning as your eldest relies on you for support, and there are other children also involved. It sounds like supporting your eldest daughter is a priority for you in this situation. How has she been coping with everything going on? I am wondering if you are aware of any support she might be in contact with at all, such as friends or support services? Is there somewhere safe your daughter can stay if she cannot stay at your house? Sometimes it can be helpful to have a neutral third party step in to help resolve family conflict. Have you considered seeking the support of a family or relationship counsellor? They might be able to help facilitate productive communication and provide strategies for resolving the conflict you are facing with your partner. Services such as Relationships Australia or Family Relationships Advice Line could be a good place to start, as they work with families to improve family relationships through counselling and other services. It is not uncommon for conflicts to arise within blended-family units, and there are a lot of resources out there to support blended families to build strong relationships. The Raising Children’s Network has a range of resources available to you that might be helpful. It is a really tough position you've been put in, and it sounds like you are trying your best to protect and support all of your children the best you can. Know that you are not alone, we are here for you every step of the way.

Hannah_RO · ‎05-08-2023

Hi @LisaMc2023 , I am really sorry to hear about your situation concerning your ex-partner and children, the abuse you are experiencing is not at all okay. It sounds like an incredibly distressing and frightening situation to be in, and it's completely understandable that you're feeling worried for what might happen. 1800respect is a domestic and family violence support service who will be able to support you with counselling and creating a safety plan for the abuse you are experiencing. I recommend giving them a call when you have the chance. We have also just sent you an email, so please keep an eye out for that.

Hannah_RO · ‎05-01-2023

Hi @Angelnewc welcome to the ReachOut forums! It's great to have you here. It sounds like you're looking for some tips for helping your daughter to manage her ADHD and stay organised at school and home. Connecting with other parents who also have children with ADHD can be a really great way to learn new parenting strategies and feel supported. I hope you find some parents on here who you can relate to There are also some great online resources out there for parents supporting their children with ADHD: We have an article on ADHD and Teens (with tips to try) The Raising Children's Network The Royal Children's Hospital Additude Thriving with ADHD The ADHD Foundation also has a list of local services to access here. I hope you find these resources helpful!

Hannah_RO · ‎05-01-2023

Hi @MimiCoco , I have just responded to the thread you recently made, but wanted to respond here to welcome you to the community and thank you for sharing your responses to these questions with us. It's lovely to hear that you try to take some time out for yourself to cope with the stress of parenting. Those sound like some great ways to relax and take your mind of things when you get the opportunity. I hope these forums bring you the opportunity to connect with parents who also know what its like to have a child who is neurodivergent.

Hannah_RO · ‎05-01-2023

Hi @MimiCoco , welcome to the ReachOut community Thank you for taking the time to reach out and share your situation with us. It sounds like you are going through a challenging time with your son's behaviour, it's completely understandable that you are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. Please know that you are not alone in this, there are many parents out there going through similar struggles with children who are neurodivergent. It's great to hear that your son has a loving and supportive parent who wants to see him thrive. It's also important to acknowledge that being a patient parent is not always easy, especially when you are dealing with challenging behaviours. It's okay to make mistakes and feel frustrated at times, it doesn’t make you a bad parent. It sounds like you are trying your best with the resources you have, and that’s all you can do. It sounds like you have a good understanding of your son's behaviour and have already identified some potential challenges related to ADHD. Even without a formal diagnosis, you can still work with your son's strengths and challenges to help him thrive. There are resources available online on the Raising Children’s Network that can offer support and guidance on how to best support your son. There are also resources available to parents in the community. As it looks like you are based in Scotland, these two services might be near you and worth looking into: ADHD Parent Support and NHS Inform. Online communities like these are also great for connecting with other parents who have children with similar needs to feel more supported and less alone. I hope the ReachOut forums offer an opportunity for you to find such parents. If you are on FaceBook, it could also be worth searching for support groups available to parents in your situation there too. As you support your son, it's important to take care of yourself and prioritise your own mental well-being. Do you have any support for yourself at the moment? Such as a family member, therapist or counsellor?

Hannah_RO · ‎03-20-2023

Hi @MrsKristicle , thank you for sharing a bit about your situation with us. It sounds like managing your son’s behaviour at home has become really difficult lately, and it’s taking a toll on your own mental health and well-being. Sounds like it has been an incredibly tough time for the family. It sounds like you have been trying the best you can to find ways to support your son to manage his behavior, and I imagine it to be incredibly frustrating to not get support from the school or other support services in your area. Do you have a family GP or doctor you might be able to speak to for advice on steps to take? If you are interested in learning more about ADHD, we have some resources here and here. We also have an article on supporting your child with ADHD here and here. Throughout all of this, it’s important to take care of your own mental health and well-being. Do you have access to your own supports in your life? Such as a friend, family member or counsellor? Prioritising self-care is a great way to take care of your well-being. Are there any self-care activities you can think of that you think might help you to relax and unwind on tough days?

Hannah_RO · ‎03-06-2023

Hi @Parenting75 , it sounds like dealing with your son's anger outbursts has been an incredibly difficult time for you lately. I am sorry to hear that his behaviour is becoming frightening. I am wondering whether you might be able to share more about how your son expresses his anger? Do you have a safety plan in place for when he has an anger outburst? I found some articles on anger and teenagers here that I thought might be helpful to you. There is one on understanding anger here and another of tips for helping your teen manage their anger here. Sometimes anger can look like physical violence in the home, and it can be important to know where to get support before things get out of hand (or when they have gotten out of hand). 1800respect might be helpful, as they are a service that provides telephone or online counselling support to families experiencing family violence and abuse. I hope these resources are of some help to you take care.

Hannah_RO · ‎03-06-2023

Hi @Worriedmun I imagine it to be quite difficult to interact with your daughter’s friend comfortably with the worries you have been having about the impact that they are having on your daughter's well-being. I’m sorry to hear that your daughter became annoyed with you for this, I can see you only want the best for her. I found an article on effective communication with teenagers here and here that I thought might give you some tips for having tough conversations with your daughter. Do you think this could be helpful? It sounds like you also have your own stuff going on at the moment, which I imagine isn't being helped by the current situation. I am wondering if you have any emotional supports or self-care strategies in place for yourself at the moment? It's really important to prioritise self-care, and we have a few tips for that here and here if you're interested.

Hannah_RO · ‎03-06-2023

Hi @Jabit , I can only imagine how tough it has been to watch a child deal with court issues while simultaneously dealing with her mental health issues. On top of that, having a grandchild refusing to go to school can place an enormous pressure on a family. Are either your grandson or his mother engaging in any support services for their well-being at the moment? Understandably, it sounds like managing two households and caring for your family members is starting to have an impact on your own well-being. I am wondering whether you have any support for yourself throughout all of this? Carer gateway is a service that provides emotional and practical services and support for carers. They might be worth checking out.

Hannah_RO · ‎03-02-2023

Hi @KIrstyH , thank you for sharing a bit about you and your family’s journey with us. It is really nice to hear that the entire family has been supportive of your son’s sexuality. It sounds like you have a very open and honest style of communication in your family, which is very inspiring to read about. It’s clear how much you love and care for your boys - it appears that they are very lucky to have you. We are really glad you reached out here, and hope that you get the chance to connect with other parents in a similar position to you. I am sure many parents share your concerns for the challenges that LGBTQIA+ teens can face. Keep an eye out for more events like this coming soon. See you around the forums

Hannah_RO · ‎01-27-2023

Hi @Sadmomjen74 , thank you so much for sharing. I am sorry to hear that your family is heartbroken, that all sounds like it has been a lot for you and your family to process. I can only imagine how difficult it has been to process the choices your daughter is making around her career and drug-use, as well as coming into terms with her diagnosis. I am wondering how you and your family are coping throughout all of this? Do you have any supports, such as a family member, friend or counsellor to talk to?

Hannah_RO · ‎01-13-2023

Thank you for sharing a little bit more about what you and your family are going through, it sounds like it has been a very difficult time for your entire family. It is understandable that this has been a challenging time for both you and your partner. We’re really glad that you have found us and have been able to reach out for some support. It looks like Iona_RO has shared some great resources on positive self-harm coping skills and having a conversation with your teen about self-destructive behaviours. Did you get a chance to look into any of these and find anything helpful? I am sorry to hear that you have been feeling ashamed and guilty about what your daughters' are going through. That is a lot for one to be carrying. You sound like an incredibly caring parent who wants the best for your children. Your daughters are incredibly lucky to have such a supportive and caring parent like you. I am mindful of the impact that supporting children with mental illness must be having on your own mental health. I am wondering whether you or your partner have been receiving any support for your own wellbeing? I wanted to share a family service called Mind Australia that I thought could be helpful to have a look at, it is a service that offers support for the whole family. As you mentioned that you and your partner have been super focused on your girls lately, I am wondering whether it could be helpful to prioritise some time to spend together, just the two of you? As important as it is to care for your girls, it is also important to take care of yourselves and your own wellbeing.

Hannah_RO · ‎12-09-2022

Hi @KR5555 , welcome to the forums - we really appreciate you sharing your situation with us! You sound like such a caring and supportive parent seeking ideas for how to help your daughter manage her training behaviours, to keep her safe from any harmful impacts it could have on her physical and mental health and well-being. It sounds like you have tried a lot of strategies to help your daughter get a handle on things so far. I imagine it has been quite worrying and confusing to know what to do next. Sometimes when teens face challenges with over-exercising, this can be accompanied by challenges with things like eating behaviours, body image and self-esteem. Have you noticed any other behaviour changes that have coincided with the running program she has created? To answer your question about whether there is someone you should take your daughter to see, it might be a good idea to consult a GP about the concerns you are having for her physical and psychological well-being. It might be a good starting point, and you can take things from there. Is this something you would feel comfortable looking into? I am also curious as to whether there is a health/sports teacher at your daughter’s school? One who you might be able to connect with, who could support your daughter to understand safe training habits or encourage a training schedule, like the one your husband suggested? I thought it was also worth mentioning that we have a free, one-on-one parent coaching service available to you if you are interested in getting some more personalised support from a parent coach. Thanks again for sharing your situation with us

Hannah_RO · ‎12-02-2022

Hi @KaRob! I have responded to your other post, but wanted to jump in here as well to welcome you to the forums! Thank you for sharing a bit about your family and situation with us. We are really glad you reached out here, and hope that you get the chance to connect with other parents in a similar position to you. I am sure many parents can relate to the difficulties of managing their teenagers' screen time!

Date Registered	‎06-20-2022 09:29 AM
Date Last Visited	a week ago
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About Hannah_RO

About Hannah_RO

About Hannah_RO

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