Alex's Answer

Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex. 

Thank you so much for asking your question, we understand it can be difficult to talk about what’s going on for you so thanks for reaching out. 

You say that your parents keep calling you stupid and saying you will be an idiot for the rest of your life?  That doesn’t sound like a very positive message to be getting and it must be really difficult for you to listen to this. 

When we keep getting told negative messages about ourselves, we can often end up believing it even if there is no proof, so it is very important that we challenge these beliefs by reminding ourselves of all the positive things about us.  You could try writing down all the good things about you, your skills, talents and achievements to remind yourself of this.   

It can also be helpful to talk to someone to let them know what’s going on – do you have another adult that you trust, such as an aunt or uncle, teacher or sports coach that you could talk to?  They can listen to how you are feeling and support you. 

Do your parents know how they are making you feel?  Sometimes things can seem like a joke to someone but can often be hurtful to another person.  Maybe you could try telling them how this is affecting you and asking them to stop using those particular words? Maybe this article on the Childline website could be helpful for you www.childline.ie/getting-along-with-family/ . There are many more articles on families there too www.childline.ie/home-and-families/  

Please remember that no one has the right to make you feel unhappy like this.  If you would like to chat some more, you can contact us here at Childline by phone (1800 66 66 66) or via web chat at www.childline.ie/ (click on the orange Live Chat tab and send ‘hello’) . We would love to chat to you more about this – you are not alone. Childline has people at the end of the phone and PC 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The services are free and confidential.  

Take care of yourself, 

Alex