Pat's Answer

Hello, you are very welcome to Ask Pat,   

Thank you so much for trusting us with your thoughts. We know it can be difficult, but we also know how great it is for young people to share their problems. Talking about and sharing what is going on for you is a big step forward. 

You say your sister can be mean and hurtful and your mum does not pay attention. 

It sounds like there’s a lot going on for you right now. You are very brave to reach out and seek help. How does your sister’s and your mum’s behaviour make you feel? We all have the right to be treated with respect and to be heard. It sounds like this might not be happening for you just now.  You have the right to be happy in your home. You have the right to receive help and support about how you are feeling and what you are going through.  

If you feel that you cannot talk to your mum about the way your sister behaves towards you, do you have another adult in your life that you trust and can talk to? This adult can be another parent, an aunt, uncle, teacher, or a school counsellor. It is the responsibility of your parents and other adults around you, to make sure you get the help and supports you need and deserve.   

The Childline website has some articles which you may like to look at www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/;   www.childline.ie/home-and-families/;  www.childline.ie/your-rights/. How would you feel about contacting Childline for a chat? Although we cannot give you advice, you can talk through your thoughts, feelings, and options with the Team.   

Childline is here for you whenever you would like to talk or chat, and we really would love to listen to you. You are welcome to talk to Childline by phone on 1800 66 66 66, by text on 50101 or through web chat on www.childline.ie. These services are open 24-hours a day, every day and are free and confidential. It is your space to talk about your home life, or you may prefer to talk about something else. The choice is yours.  

Remember, we in Childline are always here to listen and hear you. Thank you for reaching out to us.  

Take care of yourself. We hope to hear from you soon,    

Pat