Pat's Answer

What do I do about Dad

Your Question

What do I do about dad? Hey (I’m 15) My dad’s nice sometimes, most days of the week, but he also blames me for everything (even if it’s not my fault), shouts all the time, tells me he doesn’t want me, ignores me, critizes me all the time, calls me names and cusses and tells me what a disappointment I am, and more. I’ve had books thrown at me before but they didnt hit me, they just scared me. This all makes me really upset and I don’t know what to do about it. Thanks

Answer

Hello and thank you for getting in touch with Ask Pat,

You have done really well contacting us to let us know what is going on for you. From what you say, it is about your relationship with your dad which seems to be confusing for you. You say that he is nice most days of the week, but then at other times he blames you for everything, shouts at you, ignores you, throws things at you and tells you that you are a disappointment to him. 

You say this is really upsetting for you and that is understandable. 

We would be concerned to hear that your dad is, at times, treating you this way because you have the right to feel safe and happy in your life and nobody has the right to treat you badly.  You also have the right to get help and support with what is happening.  Do you have a trusted adult in your life that you could talk to like a grandparent, aunt or uncle? Sometimes it can help to talk to somebody we know, but we understand that this can be difficult, especially at first. 

This is not something you have to go through by yourself and if you feel that you are not ready yet to talk to someone in your own life, you would be very welcome to give us a call in Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or you could text us on 50101 or contact us online for a web chat at www.childline.ie.  All of our services are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, are free, confidential and are a space for you to talk about your thoughts and feelings without being judged in any way. 

Thank you for getting in touch with us, we know that it can be very hard for some people. Take care,  

Pat 

Ask me a question

You can ask me about anything you want, there’s nothing too big or small.