Alex's Answer

Hi there,  

Thanks for getting in touch and trusting us enough to share this with us, as this can be a very hard thing to do.  

I am sorry to hear that you’re in a difficult situation. Keeping secrets can be tricky, especially when they involve something as serious as an affair.  

It’s important to remember that secrets can hurt people.  It is also important to remember that keeping a secret can be stressful and make you feel like you’re carrying a heavy burden. It is not fair for anyone whether that’s a parent, teacher or friend to put that kind of pressure on you. Often, people ask us to keep secrets because they are afraid to face the consequences of their actions. I think it is important to talk to someone you trust about what’s going on. This could be another family member, a sport coach, or a family friend. They can help you figure out what to do next and provide you with support along the way.  

We have some articles that may be helpful for you on our website: www.childline.ie/how-to-manage-family-relationships/ ; www.childline.ie/8-things-to-do-when-you-feel-overwhelmed-at-home/ . 

This is very difficult and there is a lot to think about, remember that you’re not alone and there are people who can help you through this tough time.  Childline are always here to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all young people who feel they need someone to talk to. You can always reach out by phone or online chat at any time, and a member of the Childline team will be there to listen in a safe and non-judgemental space, just for you. You can contact through our freephone service by calling 1800 66 66 66 or by web chat that you access through the website www.Childline.ie – you can start a chat by clicking on the Orange Tab on the right-hand side of your screen.  

We hope this answer is helpful to you, and please feel free to get in touch again anytime.  

Take Care,  

Alex