Q&A: SPECIAL ISSUES

  • 16 yr old upset by parents separating

    Q. I have a 16 year old son and a 17 year old daughter. I recently split up from their mother after many years of problems. We had  waited until the children were older so they would be better able to cope. My son, however, seems to have taken it all very badly and seems very angry and upset – he seems particularly angry at me. What should I do to help him?
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  • My Children get too many presents at Christmas

    Q. I have three children aged three to eight and at Christmas they get really loads of toys and presents from my husband’s and my family (as they are the only Grandchildren). To be honest I feel they are really spoiled by it and don’t appreciate them. Should I be concerned and if so how can I stop them receiving so many presents without being a bit of a ‘scrooge’?Read more

  • Separation:My son doesn't talk about his time spent with his dad

    Q: My seven year old son, spends every second weekend (Friday to Sunday evening) with his father, my ex-husband. (We separated 18 months ago.)  When he comes back from the visits he doesn’t talk to me about what went on over the weekend and he is often very tired and upset and it can take a few days for him to get back to his routine.  Should  I change his access with his father, perhaps shortening the visit. I know his father will object to this.Read more

  • I slap my child, is it really harming him?

    Q: Recently, there has been a lot of articles in the newspapers about how slapping is harmful to children. Is this always the case? I have a three year old son and sometimes I give him a slap when he fights with other children or is really naughty. He seems to accept it and it seems to do him no harm
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  • Parents fighting over how to manage children

    Q. My husband and I are always fighting over how best to bring up our two boys, aged two and four. For example, at bedtime my husband is more laid back, letting them stay up late playing and I want to get them to bed on time, so we can get a good routine established. Which way is best?
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  • Divorce: Keeping contact with father

    My wife and I divorced one year ago now and recently I arranged contact with my five year old daughter every Saturday when I take her out for the day. However, sometimes my daughter is reluctant to come out and last week she point blank refused. I’m not sure what to do next. Would she be happier without contact with me?

    It can take a long time to establish a good routine with children when parents separate.Read more