Parents & Guardians

Sometimes when we are growing up and becoming more mature we can get into arguments with our parents. As a young child, you didn't have a say in very much that went on in your life. Your parents made decisions about everything what you ate for breakfast to the time you went to bed at night.

Now, you might want to stay out later, go out with friends to new places and generally want to feel more grown up. This can be difficult for parents as they can often feel like you are growing up too fast. You might think they are being too strict and don’t trust you, and they think they are only trying to protect you.

It might help to talk to your parents about how you feel during these times. It takes effort to get along and see someone else’ point of view but talking about things with your parents can be very helpful. They might be able to understand and relate to the different things you are experiencing and help to guide you through them. It can also help to try to get to know your parents a little better if you feel a bit distant from them. Tell them how you feel and they might open up and discuss what you’d like to happen.

If you are living in care - either residential or foster - the Health Information and Quality Authority have set out guidelines about high quality care and what it is and how children and youth people should be treated. You can find out more at their website www.hiqa.ie.