Pat's Answer

Hi, welcome to Ask Pat.  

Thank you for taking a brave step forward in reaching out to us. It sounds like you have a lot going on at home right now. It is understandable that you are feeling stressed when you say that your parents keep getting angry at you and shout at you about really small things. You are asking us how you can stand up to your parents and make them stop. 

We are sorry you are feeling stressed out because your parents are shouting and getting angry at you. Your parents do not have the right to hurt you in any way. They have a responsibility to look after you and to care for you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Have you told your parents how they are making you feel?  We understand it can be difficult sometimes to talk to our parents about our thoughts and about how we feel. However, talking and sharing your thoughts and feelings with others may help you through what you are experiencing. It is ok to ask for help and support. Maybe you would feel more comfortable talking to another adult you trust about what is going on at home and your relationship with your parents. You have a right to be listened to and to be heard. You also have a right to seek help and support for how you are feeling.  

There are organisations where you might find this help and support. One such service is www.jigsaw.ie. This website may help you understand what is going on for you or they may offer you a way to avail of other supports. The ISPCC Childline website also has some information and articles which you may find helpful www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/ or www.childline.ie/home-and-families/   

You do not have to go through this alone. The Childline Team are here for you when you feel like talking to us. You can reach out to us by phone on 1800 66 66 66, chat one-to-one with us online on our webchat at www.childline.ie, or through our text service on 50101. We do not judge anything you say to us and we will not tell you what to do. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all of these services are free and confidential. 

We are here for you and we would love to chat to you more about what is going on for you. You are so courageous. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us.  

We hope to hear from you soon. Stay safe, 

Pat