All families are different, and the ups and downs of family life have a huge effect on us.
All families go through difficult times and some children and young people can find it hard to get along with parents or siblings.
This can be for a variety of reasons including:
- Different personalities clashing and disagreements over ways of doing things
- Jealousy or fighting between brothers and sisters
- Parents arguing
- Divorce or separation
- New step-parents or step-brothers and sisters
- A parent or relative having mental health problems, disabilities or illness
- A parent or relative having alcohol or drug problems
- Stresses due to unemployment, money or housing problems
- Domestic violence
- Cultural or generational differences
- The effects of bereavement
- Abuse or neglect
Changes in family life can unsettle and upset us, sometimes making young people feel insecure and down about themselves. You may feel angry, anxious or depressed. These feelings can affect other areas of our lives such as school and friendships.
It is important if you are feeling worried or unsafe to talk to your School Nurse or an adult you trust such as a teacher.
Childline also has useful advice about family problems.
