http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspxThe latest Q&As from www.parentlineplus.org.ukRegistered charity number: 1077722. Registered in England & Wales. @copy; Copyright ParentLine Plus 5My 15 year old is a good kid and has never been in trouble however on the last day of school I got a call to say that he had stolen an item of school property. I have a meeting at the school about this but I am struggling to...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=230Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:20:11 GMTMy 7 year old daughter appears to have been coerced by my ex husband into saying she wants to live with him - he has offered gifts and treats and regularly discusses his own personal life with her when he is having a bad time. During a conversation between her,...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=229Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:07:13 GMTMy little girl is 2 years old and is afraid of the bath. I don't know how to reassure her even when I mention the bath she starts screaming and crying, I really don't know what to do.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=227Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:25:21 GMTI am concerned about my eight year old son who is highly sensitive and is very easy upset. He is finding it difficult to resolve friendship issues at school and often says he has no one to play with. He bursts into tears regularly over small frustrations and this is...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=228Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:22:59 GMTI am a single mother of two children, my 11 year old son and my 13 year old daughter. I thought we always had an open and honest relationship until they started stealing money from me last year. I finally caught them and they admitted it. I explained how things...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=225Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:00:11 GMTMy eldest daughter is being bullied by people in the local area and at school. We have spoken to the school and also to the parents repeatedly but to no avail. The bullying has only got worse and now I am worried for my daughter’s health. Can anyone who has...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=226Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:27:36 GMTI have recently found out that my daughter who is 12 had taken a photo of herself topless on her phone, and subsequently sent it to a boy in her class. As well as this she has been having explicit conversations via her mobile with another boy whom she has...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=112Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:42:19 GMT7 year old doesn't want to be with mumhttp://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=1Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:51:02 GMTMy 5 year old son has a very good relationship with his dad who lives round the corner from me. We are also able to negotiate a lot of contact between us. We separated when my son was 18 months old. I want to move to Lincolnshire where I can...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=224Thu, 20 May 2010 12:01:25 GMTI would like some help and advice on my pre-schooler. I do label him and I am quite negative and I feel he is being affected by it. Even though I constantly tell him I love him and he is special, I just feel so guilty and don’t want to...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=223Thu, 20 May 2010 11:20:32 GMTMy 5 year old son is increasingly angry and screams and shouts at the slightest thing - if he asks for something and is told no and a reason then he goes off on one and I'm told daily, sometimes more that he hates me. We are at the end...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=222Thu, 20 May 2010 10:46:23 GMTMy four and a half year old daughter has just started school reception. She takes a packed lunch to school but is too shy and scared to eat it. She is therefore starving by home time and spends the rest of the evening grazing (meal and snacks) to fulfil her...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=76Wed, 19 May 2010 16:56:36 GMTMy son is 16 years old and has been suffering severe panic attacks and anxiety usually when he goes to bed. He has been to the doctor but we kind of felt fobbed-off. He is worried and not sleeping, but he has no worries as we are quite close and...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=77Wed, 19 May 2010 16:50:53 GMTMy 18 year old boy spends long hours playing computer games and he does hardly go out with his friends. I feel he is alienating himself from the world and uses computer games as an escape from reality. I am extremely worried and feel helpless.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=78Wed, 19 May 2010 16:45:36 GMTMy teenage daughter, a beautiful, creative girl of 17 has, since the last two years shown behavioural changes that we are finding difficult to understand. Coping up with too many changes (residences, schools) she appears to have very low self-esteem, is constantly rebelling, has problems with school and is sad....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=79Wed, 19 May 2010 16:41:18 GMTI would like to arrange for my son to see a private child psychologist regarding an eating problem, but don't know how to find the right person. I have contacted my GP and Health Visitor who have both been unhelpful and have blamed me for the problem and say I...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=80Wed, 19 May 2010 16:33:43 GMTMy 14 year old daughter recently asked me what a girl is supposed to do during intercourse. I'm not quite sure how to explain this to her, without confusing her and myself. I'm just wondering if you have any suggestions on what I should say?http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=116Wed, 19 May 2010 16:25:18 GMTWe have just found out that our 14 year old daughter and some of her friends have been having casual sex with older boys who hang around school. These boys are playing the girls against each other, they drink and take drugs. We don't know how restrictive to be now...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=117Wed, 19 May 2010 16:20:51 GMTWhat do you do when your 13 year old son tells you he is gay? He is always depressed and blames everything on everyone but himself. I am lost. Please help me to understand this.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=118Wed, 19 May 2010 15:18:15 GMTI found out a month ago my 14 year old daughter has a boyfriend her age. When I was in the car picking her up from an after-school club I saw her in front of the school snogging him (this is when I found out about him). I was devastated...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=119Wed, 19 May 2010 15:14:28 GMTMy 14 year old daughter will not talk to me when I question her over things she has done or said that I have found out about. She denies everything or just clams up. Recently I found some sexual comments on her mobile phone that she had sent to a...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=122Wed, 19 May 2010 15:11:18 GMTI've found out that my daughter had sex a few days before her 13th birthday with a boy her own age that she's not in a relationship with. She says that she was curious. We found out because we have monitoring software on the computer, she didn't tell us. She...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=124Wed, 19 May 2010 15:06:59 GMTOur 13 year old daughter has received a text from a 14 year old boy who we know to be sexually active saying that he is "dreaming of f***ing her". We have told her school, removed her mobile and talked to her, but she doesn’t seem to grasp the potential...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=125Wed, 19 May 2010 14:43:52 GMTPlease can you help me, and point me in the right direction. I have a 13 (nearly 14) year old daughter (she is one of twin girls). She has a boyfriend of six months, and keeps a diary, of which I found quite by accident. In the diary, she writes...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=126Wed, 19 May 2010 14:32:08 GMTMy 16 year old son has been seeing his 13 year old girlfriend for three months now and I am convinced that they are sexually active. At the start of the relationship and during we have had numerous chats about her being under age, and the consequences of underage sex....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=128Wed, 19 May 2010 13:26:16 GMTMy daughter is 17 and is 7 months pregnant. She isn’t with the father of the baby, but has met a young man over the internet. He is not my choice for her. He has moved into our area, and now they have moved in together. I feel so upset...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=131Wed, 19 May 2010 13:19:28 GMTMy 14 year old niece has started to have a sexual relationship with her 16 year old boyfriend. She lives with her grandmother and stepgrandfather but is close to me and my wife. She comes to us for help and advice, we helped her go onto the pill and talked...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=132Wed, 19 May 2010 13:13:40 GMTWe are parents of a 15 year old girl. By chance we found out that she has been seeing a 20 year old boy. We were and are concerned about this issue. We asked to meet him and it took weeks before we did. The man is not of a...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=133Wed, 19 May 2010 13:05:55 GMTMy 16 year old daughter has a serious boyfriend and when they're at his house, we fight about the time she should return home because I don't like them being unsupervised in his room. My husband and I are arguing over this issue constantly. Any suggestions?http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=134Wed, 19 May 2010 13:02:32 GMTI have just discovered that my 14 year old daughter was prescribed the morning after pill while on holiday with another family over Easter. I feel so upset for her loss of innocence at such a young age, I am worried about her future, I am worried that I have...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=135Wed, 19 May 2010 12:57:06 GMTI walked in my daughter’s room and caught her having sex with her boyfriend. She’s just turned 16 he’s 18. I have 2 boys as well; aged 14 & 11. It could’ve been 1 of them walking in. I’m mortified and told her he’s not welcome in the house anymore....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=136Wed, 19 May 2010 12:53:20 GMTI have an 8 year old daughter and a 6 year old boy who doesn’t eat. They play up at the dinner table and are very underweight. My son is under the hospital for failure to thrive since birth. I was a single mother for 4 years and have been...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=169Wed, 19 May 2010 12:50:20 GMTI have a six year old boy who has never been a good eater. He lives off pasta, potatoes and very little else of any great nutritional value. How can I get him to try new foods to see if he likes them? He has already made his mind up...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=170Wed, 19 May 2010 12:44:51 GMTMy five year old son is not eating enough in my eyes. His ribs show and I am finding it difficult to sit at the dinner table and watch him poke at his food or ignore it altogether, any advice would be much appreciated.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=171Wed, 19 May 2010 12:39:37 GMTMy daughter is seven and a half. She’s an incredibly fussy eater. No dairy, no fruit or vegetables, no meat. She's been like it for years. She's small for her age, and has an iron deficiency. The doctors are not concerned, but we as parents are concerned for her future...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=172Wed, 19 May 2010 12:36:31 GMTMy son is 11 ½ years old. He eats things such as roast potatoes, bacon, micro chips, takeaway chicken burgers & chips, dinosaur ham sandwiches, crisps, chocolate bars etc. We have agreed that if you confirm this is fine, I will accept this and stop nagging/worrying about him, but if...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=173Wed, 19 May 2010 12:30:30 GMTMy 18 year old daughter has a pattern of being in abusive relationships. She has a low self esteem. Her father and I divorced when she was 12 years old. Her father always puts her down, calling her a loser, fat, no good, and so on. She is very sensitive...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=149Wed, 12 May 2010 16:06:28 GMTMy 17 year old spends all his time at his 'friends' house (a girl) but he insists they aren't 'going out'. But up until six weeks ago they were and had been from when he was 14, this in itself worried me - I so want him to have a...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=151Wed, 12 May 2010 15:58:51 GMTI just do not seem to be able to communicate with my 20 year old daughter. If I ask her questions about her day she thinks I am checking up on her. She is not a natural talker so chatting is not normally something she does. She spends as little...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=152Wed, 12 May 2010 15:53:33 GMTWe have two boys aged 15 and 12. They do not get on with each other at all. Our last family holiday was a disaster due to their arguing and bickering. My husband and I have tried everything we can think of to help them get on better but nothing...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=159Wed, 12 May 2010 15:49:13 GMTI have a 21 year old daughter and 19 year old son who hate each other. Every time we go away for a long weekend we come home to a battlefield. We have talked and allocated jobs for them to do whilst away but still no luck and I feel...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=160Wed, 12 May 2010 15:46:27 GMTI have twin boys aged 14. They have trouble making friends with other boys which means they never go out unless it’s with myself or my mother. I get frustrated with as I was always out at that age. I have two failed marriages and I now have a new...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=161Wed, 12 May 2010 15:42:01 GMTAfter 20 years of marriage I have been separated for 18 months and started to see someone four months ago. I wasn't expecting my 19 year old daughter to turn back into a 13 year old. She refuses to meet him, makes me feel guilty for going out and being...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=6Wed, 12 May 2010 15:39:31 GMTI have recently split from my husband following an affair I had. I am still seeing the guy. My 12 year old daughter knows I had the affair and has been angry with me ever since. As a consequence when we were deciding what should happen when I left, she...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=7Wed, 12 May 2010 15:29:18 GMTMy partner has recently left the family home and is now living 100 miles away. This is a two hour drive and he wants our four young children (5,4,3 & 1) to travel this every weekend, even during school. Please, any suggestions?...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=8Wed, 12 May 2010 15:17:00 GMTI need to tell my 18 year old son that the man that has brought him up is not his father. I don’t know where to start or how he will react. I know I should have told him years ago but I am frightened. I don’t know how his...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=137Wed, 12 May 2010 15:07:33 GMTMy 4 year old daughter often ignores my partner of 2 years. We all live together but there is a constant battle about discipline. I feel my partner speaks to her as if she is much older. I have tried discussing this with him but he says I am too...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=138Wed, 12 May 2010 15:01:10 GMTMy partner and I have been together for three years. I have no children of my own and he has a son aged 13 and a daughter aged 12. Up until a year ago I was getting on fine with both of them despite their mother causing all sorts of...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=147Wed, 12 May 2010 14:48:23 GMTI divorced 3 yrs ago. I have been with a new partner for 18 months. My 16 year old son refuses to have anything to do with him, has never spoken to him. He walks out of the house if he ever comes round, refuses to go to any family...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=174Wed, 12 May 2010 14:44:28 GMTI have two daughters from my first marriage and I have a two year old daughter with my husband. My husband who I have been together with for three years has two children, a son and a daughter. He has joint consent order which means they live with us for...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=175Wed, 12 May 2010 14:41:54 GMTI have been a single parent for many years now. My son is now eight and I have recently met a guy. We have hit it off and have been going slowly involving my son. However my son has made little comments to my partner about why he is here...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=176Wed, 12 May 2010 14:35:32 GMTI’m having so many problems, my partner has two boys and I’ve got two girls and I’m pregnant with our own baby. He corrects my kids and that ok with him but when I say anything to his kids he takes it really funny and I don’t know what to...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=178Wed, 12 May 2010 14:31:00 GMTMy sons real father didn’t take any interest at all when he was born we weren’t together and for the first two years it was just me and my son and both very happy. Then I met my fiancé and he has brought up my son as his own for...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=179Wed, 12 May 2010 14:25:40 GMTI’ve been with my partner for two and a half years; he has a nine year old son who also lives with us full time. His mother is not in the picture at all she walked away three years ago. We have just bought a house and we thought everything...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=180Wed, 12 May 2010 13:07:46 GMTI have a fantastic 15 year old daughter called Lauren, she lives with me and my partner of five years who has a 12 year old daughter called Jess and visits alternate weekends. My child has had no contact with her father for a number of years and has become...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=181Wed, 12 May 2010 13:02:50 GMTI have a three year old daughter whose biological father has not seen her since she was seven weeks old, and has no desire to see her again. I have been with my current partner since my daughter was nine months and she has grown up thinking of this man...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=182Wed, 12 May 2010 12:55:05 GMTI’m a single mum to four children. I have been seeing a wonderful man now for four months who is a full time father to a 13 year old boy and 15 year old girl. We are currently looking for a place together and everyone seems to get on well....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=183Wed, 12 May 2010 12:49:09 GMTThis is a second marriage for both of us. We moved in together about 9 years ago and married 3 years ago. My husband really dislikes my kids and has never really made a consistent effort with them. I blame him for driving my daughter away from home when she...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=184Wed, 12 May 2010 12:45:41 GMTI have a 14 year old son and a 28 year old husband. They fight constantly. I was a single parent for the first 12 years. My husband has had no responsibilities but himself until now. He has no parenting experience, therefore I have trouble with the way he deals...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=185Wed, 12 May 2010 12:31:29 GMTI have been with my partner now for seven years, we have two children together. Two years ago his ex-wife decided that she no longer wants her two daughters that they had together, and that they were to live with us. Of course I did not want this as we...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=186Wed, 12 May 2010 12:17:07 GMTWould you please advice me why my 11 years old son is so irresponsible, unorganised and motiveless? Apart from computer games he has no interest in anything whatsoever. I'm suffering as the result.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=13Wed, 12 May 2010 12:02:39 GMTMy ten year old daughter has recently become very worried about death. Last night she was particularly distraught, asking “What happens when you die? Does everything just stop? Why do we have to die? I don't want to die.” I have tried explaining as best I can I but don't...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=38Wed, 12 May 2010 11:54:09 GMTMy 11 year old daughter is increasingly asking questions about her father and becoming obsessive with it. She hasn’t known her father for all of her 11 years. He only stayed about a couple of times when she was 18 months old. She keeps asking for a name and seems...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=2Wed, 12 May 2010 11:46:36 GMTPlease, can you give us some ideas on stopping bad language at home? Our 3 children (6,4 & 3) are constantly using inappropriate words at home, never at school/nursery. We have tried talking about it and ignoring it but it is just getting worse. All fairly minor words but I...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=48Wed, 12 May 2010 11:42:51 GMTMy 6 year old son lies all the time and he is always making things up. I don't know when he's telling the truth and when he is telling the truth I don't believe him. How can I stop him from telling all these lies?http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=49Wed, 12 May 2010 11:17:47 GMTI have a 14yr old son. I have raised him on my own for 10yrs. Then I met my new partner two years ago. My son was 12 then, we had always been very close, he tells me he is ok and acknowledges the fact he has a new step...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=187Wed, 12 May 2010 11:04:02 GMTMy 9 year old daughter is a law unto her self. She screams and shouts, scratches her face, pulls hair out in clumps and runs around the streets screaming at the top of her voice. This isn't a new thing. She has always done this. The difference is that now...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=50Tue, 11 May 2010 16:44:10 GMTI had thought tantrums stopped after a while but my eldest daughter who is almost 9 has continued to tantrum right through from toddler years. Her behaviour can be distressing and embarrassing as she does it in public and in front of family and friends when we say no to...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=51Tue, 11 May 2010 16:41:01 GMTI am a lone parent of eight year old we have just lost my mother, who lived with us, last month. My daughter adored her and has become very volatile. Tonight through overtiredness and having been discovered to have told me some lies she got angry and went into the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=81Tue, 11 May 2010 16:35:17 GMTI hope someone can help me. My 8 year old daughter has already started to fixate on getting boys to like her. Tonight I found out she told a teenage boy on a site supposedly for 8-12 year olds that she was 18, and he was on her msn list....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=221Wed, 05 May 2010 14:33:58 GMTMy 7 year old daughter is masturbating, pushing her genitals back and forth on a chair, in school so often that school has called us in about it. They seem to think it's an inability to sit still but we know better. We have already spoken to her in the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=220Wed, 05 May 2010 12:57:51 GMTHi, I am a single mum of a three yr old boy who is refusing to be potty trained. He is booked in for playschool place in September but if he was trained now I could send him two mornings a week ,he badly needs company of his peers and...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=219Wed, 05 May 2010 12:36:49 GMTI am a single mum to 8 year old and 23 year old boys. Dad lives in Australia - hardly any contact. My 8 yr old always been difficult. He cannot cope with me eating. It annoys him. It’s very difficult to live with. He cannot be in the same...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=218Wed, 05 May 2010 11:54:16 GMTMy 5 year old daughter often responds to me rudely when I'm talking to her. Although she claims not to be aware of it when I raise it with her, she answers back rudely when I take issue with her over something she has said or done, or even when...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=217Wed, 05 May 2010 11:29:43 GMTMy son is being bullied (beaten up and threatened every day) by an older child in the school and also the 'gang' of kids that hang round with this older child. The school tell us they have to make allowances for this child as he comes from a 'broken home'...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=216Tue, 04 May 2010 20:29:28 GMTWe have had problems with my 13 year old son being bullied in the past. It appears outwardly to be under control; however my son seems changed by the experience. He is withdrawn, quiet and seems to be very tired. He insists the bullying has stopped. He went to a...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=207Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:42:09 GMTMy son is 17 next week and is at a local college. We have had problems with him not attending since just before Christmas. I have now found out that my son is being bullied by other members of his group, which is why he doesn't want to attend. I...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=208Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:41:35 GMTMy child has been displaying some negative behaviour at school recently. This involves spitting and throwing sand. He tells me other children are not nice to him. How can I tell if he is being bullied and therefore retaliating or the problem lies with him? He has come home with...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=212Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:40:56 GMTMy daughter is different – I think she has ADHD or autism, she just doesn’t seem to be OK around people. She is loving and trusting but the girls at school are tormenting her. She doesn’t complain – she goes back for more because she is desperate to make friends....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=215Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:40:18 GMTMy 12 year old son is being bullied by a 13 year old who lives on the same road. None of the local children will play with my son now and I am getting quite worried as he no longer wants to go out. I have tried talking to all...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=214Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:32:07 GMTWhat can I do to stop my son from being a target for bullies in and out of school? I don't know what to say or do anymore.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=210Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:28:14 GMTMy 11 year old, year six child has suffered from a lot of low level bullying for the last two years, mostly either being excluded from activities or people talking about her and saying she has done or said certain things which she has not. She is due to move...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=213Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:27:04 GMTPlease can you offer advice on bullying NOT in school. My daughter has left school now and she is being bullied so much through the internet, along with some verbal threats, I just don’t know what to do anymore. She won’t go out, wont look for a job and she...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=211Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:21:31 GMTMy eldest daughter has been bullied by other girls in our village for two years now and it has come to the point where I have tried everything from talking to the school to talking constructively to the parents. One set of parents however refused to believe what I told...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=209Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:11:19 GMTMy 4 and a half year old has recently started having regular overnight contact with his dad. He seems happy and says he wants to stay but when he returns home his behaviour is often extremely challenging and out of character. He becomes aggressive and violent and refuses to do...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=5Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:56:55 GMTI split up with the father of my four year old daughter just before Christmas due to violence - we have remained on speaking terms. However he asked to have our daughter for a week and I agreed - but since being at her dads my normal, well behaved little...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=4Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:55:21 GMTI have a 12 year old and 8 year old. I currently have them overnight once a week. They want to stay at least another night. My eldest has tried to talk to her mum but she won't listen. I approached my ex-wife with the view of going to Family...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=3Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:52:47 GMTMy children’s father and I have been separated and divorced for four years now. I have a new life with my partner who lives with us and the children adore him. We are moving 200 miles away and their dad feels that we are doing this to take them away...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=9Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:51:21 GMTUp until approximately Christmas last year, I was having my three grandchildren staying every other weekend. Now my son says that they can no longer stay, which is okay, he is the father but when I ask to see the boys, one minute it is yes and then later he...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=35Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:47:35 GMTMy son has just turned 16 and his father has rarely ever bothered with him. He has never paid a penny for him even though he is well off. He has other kids but only sees one of them - a daughter of nine. My son recently contacted him and...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=10Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:03:24 GMTMy ex split with me 4 weeks ago and moved with his sister about 200 miles away. Every time he has come to see the kids he has brought his sister with him so not been alone with his kids. My eldest wasn’t happy that he didn’t want to play...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=11Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:02:42 GMTMy daughter is four months old and I have just found out my husband has been cheating on me. I cannot see a way to make things work so we are separating. He already has four children from two other women, and to be honest he isn't that interested in...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=24Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:01:28 GMTI left my wife and two children (boys aged 12 & 17) in May 2004. I moved into a flat on my own but was intending to start a relationship with someone else, though denied this at the time. I spent alternate weekends visiting this person, and my boys perceived...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=25Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:56:13 GMTI was married for 15 years and have been estranged from my husband for over a year now. For reasons too complicated to explain (or far too easy maybe) I'm the one that doesn't sleep anymore in the house where my three kids (ages 12, 9 and 6) sleep in...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=27Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:53:16 GMTI have just left my partner and moved into a flat. But it’s so difficult – I would like to work but can’t find a job can’t find childcare and now my rent is up by £80. I hated my life with him and what is was doing to me...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=14Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:13 GMTHi, I would just like to know if anyone can offer advice or comment on my situation. My ex and I have been separated for nearly 2 years and we have two boys aged six and 13 for whom we have a shared care arrangement in place. Over a three...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=15Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:48:47 GMTCan someone help me please, I have a 12 year old son, his father left us last February and I have started seeing people. I keep it away from him as much as possible always telling him how much I love him etc. But he is listening to my phone...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=17Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:47:51 GMTI am the separated father of a two year old daughter who lives with her mother in Switzerland who I visit monthly for 2/3 days - staying in hotels and taking my daughter out for six hours each day. This is a very unsatisfactory arrangement for me - particularly in...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=23Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:46:46 GMTMy husband of 18 years left last August when I discovered he had been having sex with other men for some time. He is now in a rented house which he shares with his male, much younger partner and wants to have the children over to stay. The kids are...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=26Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:42:51 GMTI am stuck between a rock and a hard place, I have been divorced from my son's father for five years and in between that time he has had an on/off relationship with my son. As time has gone on he has moved away and remarried and they have a...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=28Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:41:18 GMTI am a lone parent to my three and a half year old son and have been since he was three months old. His dad was never interested in acting up to his responsibilities from the beginning and was always unreliable and inconsistent during the times he did actually visit...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=29Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:39:53 GMTMy partner and I have recently had a baby (5 months). Our relationship is breaking down and we are having issues coming to an agreement about contact. My partner wants to see our son 3 afternoons a week, every Saturday and to have our son stay over with him every...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=30Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:37:03 GMTMy son lives with his mother over an hour away. They used to live 20min away until their recent move. When they lived closer I would visit 1-2 times per week and occasionally stay the night. Now I feel staying the night is not a good idea. His mother and...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=31Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:35:17 GMTMy boyfriend left me when I was pregnant with his child. We reunited briefly when my daughter was a baby but it didn't work out. My daughter is now three and making up stories about her dad, who has since never had any contact with her and probably never will...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=32Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:33:08 GMTI have 3 children but I am at the end of my tether with my eldest son who is 10. His father and I divorced when he was still only a baby and he has always had regular contact with his father. My son has learning difficulties and behaviour problems...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=12Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:23:45 GMTMy husband and I split up last year (his choice not mine); we have a two and half year old and a baby who is eight months. Over the last year our son has had mixed contact with his father, he was a good eater and has gradually got to...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=16Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:22:50 GMTLast year I had an episode of severe depression and was in hospital and this year my wife divorced me. I don’t think my step children want to keep in touch but I miss them so much. I wish they would phone. I know it’s hard for them too.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=18Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:21:48 GMTMy son currently has to be collected from my parents’ house when he has contact with his father. This is as a result of his father’s behaviour towards me, has been an issue for sometime and seems to be an ongoing problem. I greatly appreciate my parents’ help in this...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=22Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:20:35 GMTHelp! I'm going through a very bitter divorce at the moment and I’m in the process of court. Problem is my ex has poisoned my children against me, as they live with him. It was the best thing for me to do at the time. My son is 14 and...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=19Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:19:14 GMTI have now been separated for 3 and a half years (not divorced yet) and during this time I have travelled 40 mins to and 40 mins back from my children’s schools so they can see their father in the week. My eldest daughter will be attending college next term...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=21Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:17:45 GMTMy 13 year old son has progressed from being "bullied" to being a bully. His behaviour has deteriorated over the past 12 months or so - lies, poor academic marks, and fights at school and so on. My wife and I need help - we have no idea what we...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=206Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:00:09 GMTI believe that my daughter has been bullied by a teacher, she has been told off severely on two occasions recently in front of the girls who have also been bullying her. Her self esteem is now at rock bottom. I have spoken to the school but feel I am...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=205Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:57:18 GMTI have a daughter who turned 18 this month, she has a three month old baby and I have had to contact Social Services twice already as she wasn't looking after him properly. This weekend she was arrested and held over night in a cell, when released later in the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=33Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:22:17 GMTMy 16 granddaughter is living with us for her grade 12 year - she' been with us now since July of this year. We've been getting along fairly well except for a couple of things. Firstly that I insist on calling her friend's parents if she wants to stay out...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=34Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:20:46 GMTMy 10 year old daughter really lacks in confidence and has low self esteem, like she won't get up and join in and dance with her younger niece at disco's, won't go up to the counter and ask for anything herself, won't talk to any adult/child she doesn't know. She...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=37Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:17:15 GMTMy son and his partner split up and since then she will not let us see our grandchildren who we have not seen for nearly 14 months. We have spoken to her parents on numerous occasions and they always say they will speak to her but I don’t think they...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=36Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:12:46 GMTI have a nearly three year old boy who seems to run on (Duracell) batteries! As a baby to date he just doesn't seem to need his sleep. (He is one month off being 3 years old.) He doesn't sleep during the day. He wakes at about 6.30am and we...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=100Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:25:02 GMTI have a three year old son and for a while now he has woke up of a night saying there is a tiger in his room, this hasn’t really been a worry, but for two nights now he has hardly slept. He woke me to tell me there was...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=90Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:20:27 GMTMy wife and I have 12 week old twins. We also have a three year old boy. We try to do all the "involving", spending one-to-one time etc with him, but it's just never enough and we're at our wits' end. He just will not leave the babies alone -...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=87Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:13:33 GMTHow do I deal with the competitive behaviour being displayed by most of my child's friends? I don't mean academically, but rather the one-upmanship that takes place around what people have materially and what they consume. It makes my daughter feel inadequate sometimes when her friends 'boast' about stuff she...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=70Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:05:14 GMTHow do I explain to my six year old that the family cat is probably going to have to be put to sleep this week? I have had my cat for 15 years and I am so dreading what is going to happen this week. Obviously I am going to...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=67Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:01:56 GMTWe are having major problems getting our six year old daughter to bed. It has never been straight forward, but recently it has got to the point where we have been taking her back upstairs as soon as she comes down - but all she does is follow us back...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=66Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:59:00 GMTWe are parents to three children, two boys aged 11 and six and a daughter aged nine. Our eldest (boy) has changed. He lacks concentration, is negative in everything to do with family life, has no tolerance with his sister. He only really comes alive when he is playing computer...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=63Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:55:07 GMTOur 6 year old is forever starting up arguments with his brothers who are 11 and 3. The boys can all return home having had a good day out but within 2 seconds there will be an argument instigated by him. It gets to the point I dread it. At...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=54Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:53:19 GMTMy seven year old daughter is a bright little girl who enjoys school and activities out with school. Her behaviour has always been a problem but has become increasingly worse whereby when she doesn’t get her own way she starts crying and shouting at me then answering back constantly, telling...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=56Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:52:24 GMTI am a single mum to two boys five and seven. My five year old son is very aggressive towards me and has outbursts of extreme violence. If he doesn’t get his own way he punches, kicks, scratches and bites me. I put him on bottom step for time out...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=58Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:51:18 GMTMy daughter is six next week and a very bright and imaginative little girl. Unfortunately she has a terrible attitude in the way she speaks and treats people (especially me). I love her with my whole soul but am finding it increasingly difficult to deal with her as she just...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=64Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:50:02 GMTMy six year old son has always been a very bright, loving little boy who is popular in class. However during the school holidays he has become very cheeky and sulks when he doesn't get his own way, I put it down to being bored and hoped he would improve...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=59Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:41:34 GMTI have 3 children and my problem is with my eldest who is 10. For the last few years he has been difficult at school. The school referred him to a paediatrician who said that he was a healthy young boy. He is better at school now but his behaviour...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=57Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:36:56 GMTMy 11yr old daughter has just started high school and is really unsettled. She’s not eating, sleeping and crying a lot. She has gone from a outgoing confident girl to a withdrawn, doesn’t want to talk girl. She has told me that she wants to move school but what if...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=193Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:58:34 GMTHow do I stop my 7 year old from using bad words and taking things that are not his? He won't go to bed. I’ve tried all sorts of things but nothing seems to work and now he’s upsetting the other two children in the house. Please help.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=52Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:26:37 GMTI have a 10 year old daughter, and love her dearly. However since my six year old was born I have slowly lost the bond between my 10 year old and myself. We find it very difficult to communicate and I do not like it. I have tried shopping trips,...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=154Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:15:50 GMTMy 11 year old son can be quite immature for his age, with childlike behaviour and lip pulls etc. He can also be nasty by name calling and he is very disrespectful at times, which hurts me and upsets my partner. Sometimes I feel restricted to the house as he...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=62Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:55:51 GMTWhy is my 11 year old boy so destructive with everything? It doesn’t matter who things belong to. Says he does it because he's bored! He is also a constant liar!http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=61Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:53:18 GMTMy 12 year old son lies to his teachers at school. I had a call last week from his Head of Year as my son told him that we allowed him to drink red bull freely at home. This was a complete lie. Then he had a presentation evening at...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=55Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:43:13 GMTI have a recently entered into a serious relationship with my new partner. At first his 15 year old daughter was friendly but now she blanks me all the time, and refuses to spend any time with her dad when he’s in my company. She has been living alone with...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=189Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:48:15 GMTMy 16 month old daughter is teething, this seems to have been going on for ever! I try giving her calpol/nurofen, teething ring, apples, chicken bones....but nothing seems to ease her pain! she wont eat, and wont sleep! She is either going to bed at 2am then sleeping until mid-day...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=102Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:28:49 GMTMy son (two) seems to have separation anxiety, and it appears to be getting worse. He has always had trouble getting off to sleep in his own bed, (taking about two hours most nights, then coming in to our bed at 1am) and now gets upset when I leave him...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=99Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:07:16 GMTI have two sons - 30 months and three months. My toddler is very loving towards his younger brother however, over the last month he has been having lots of exhausting tantrums. At Christmas he was moved into a toddler bed from his cot and, since then we frequently have...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=89Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:04:20 GMTMy 2 1/2 year old daughter is always sucking her thumb. I cannot find a way to stop her. I’ve tried all the things from the naughty spot to letting her stay in her room but nothing has worked. Can you please advise me?http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=96Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:46:09 GMTMy two year and two month old son is a very fussy eater; I don’t know what to do. When I give him food, he turns his head around and closes his eyes. He doesn’t like anything. I am really worried; please can you tell me what I can try...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=95Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:43:31 GMTWhy does my 22 month old daughter have to have body contact when she goes to bed? I have to hold her hand and she has to put her head touching my legs until she falls asleep. She will not go to bed alone anymore and I have tried the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=86Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:06:08 GMTMy 9 month old daughter does not want to be left alone even for small intervals of time... not even letting us take a shower, make a cup of coffee etc. She cries enough to make her throw up. I’m not sure if she is genuinely scared or if this...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=40Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:17:09 GMTI feel totally exhausted – my baby never sleeps and I feel so alone. Everyone else’s baby seems to sleep through the night. Is it all my fault? I feel like I am such a rubbish mum.http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=44Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:16:34 GMTMy son is 19 weeks old and I have been breastfeeding him since birth. I would like to introduce a bottle or two during the day but he will not feed from it. I have tried expressed milk and formula and neither work. Is there a particular bottle or method...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=45Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:15:52 GMTI have a one year old boy and I would like to make the most of his learning and development skills, but I don't know how. I do talk to him a lot, teaching him small everyday things like brushing his teeth, being clean etc but what else can I...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=47Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:41:09 GMTIt's like he has no boundaries. He destroys toys and other people’s possessions, he pours shampoo and shower gel down the plughole. He recently got hold of some paint (God knows how) and painted everything in my room orange! He had the naughty step and all treats removed. He went...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=53Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:34:47 GMTHaving been divorced from her father since my 11 yr old was 15 months old and with my current husband for the last 9 years, my former husband made a false allegation of abuse to Social Services earlier this year. We were investigated, cleared (Social Services said she had been...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=188Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:00:06 GMTI have 3 children, I divorced their dad a few years ago, he was very abusive towards the children and me. I stayed on my own for some time and eventually fell in love, but with a woman, we have been together for 4 years and we are very happy....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=190Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:58:31 GMTMy son has recently started secondary school and is having trouble making new friends. He was bullied at primary school and it has affected him more than we realised. He never wants to go anywhere unless it’s with me (mum) and he never wants to play out or talk to...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=201Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:06:44 GMTMy daughter is nearly 5 years old. I am friendly with her classmate’s mother who has spoken to me on 3 occasions to say that her daughter does not want to come to school because my daughter is mean to her. I have asked her to give me examples but...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=204Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:03:00 GMTMy granddaughter has been bullied over the last year at school and it got so bad that she took an overdose and was lucky to be alive. We find that nothing is done to the bullies and it took a long time for her to be gently integrated into school...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=203Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:57:30 GMTMy 11 year old son started High School in September, and because he is trying to apply himself to his work and getting on in lessons, he has been targeted as a 'swot' and is being bullied. There is one child in particular who is the ringleader and the school...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=196Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:50:34 GMTMy daughter of 13 has been bullied by her younger cousin via MSN. This has been going on for almost 12 months and this has affected her attendance at school. We were almost back on track and then there was another incident in the Christmas holidays. She has only been...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=198Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:48:00 GMTMy five year old son is being bullied at school by two boys in his class; they swear at him, kick him and pull him around. He has tried ignoring them, telling the teacher/staff, telling them he doesn’t want to play with them and walking away. I spoke to the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=200Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:46:03 GMTMy son has experienced some low-level bullying over the last year at school which has got progressively worse throughout the year. What started as name calling, following round the playground that he reacted to by losing his temper has moved on to being sworn at and physical bullying. His supposed...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=202Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:44:04 GMTMy daughter is now in 6th form and has been and is being bullied by a "so called best friend". This friend is far from perfect, yet she blames my daughter whenever her parents tell her off. My daughter does not deserve this, she is a caring person, she tells...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=199Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:21:30 GMTMy 12 year old son is being bullied. He gets verbal abuse on the bus on the way home from school from a parent of a child who goes to the same school as him. This parent takes her year 9 and 10 children to and from school on a...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=197Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:14:32 GMTMy daughter is 8 and mildly autistic. She has a best friend who lives 4 doors up from us. We live on a quiet street with no cars and on nice days the girls enjoy playing in the front garden and on the grassed area in front of our houses....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=195Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:03:34 GMTHas anybody ever had experience of brother and sister touching each other? We have found out that our 14 year old boy and our ten year old girl had played a game of dares that went to far. How do I deal with this situation?http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=115Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:39:49 GMTI am in a relationship with a man who has his 12 year old daughter living with him. She caught us 12 months ago having sex and was so upset. It seemed to go away but she caught us again this week and has said she is having nightmares about...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=123Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:39:24 GMTI suspect my 12 year old son has had sexual intercourse with his 14 year old girlfriend. I want to ask and I am quite tactful when I want to be, so I’m not worried about the approach, but I am worried the answer is going to be a yes....http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=127Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:39:02 GMTMy daughter has friendship problems. Her teachers say that during lessons she is perfectly OK working with others but when she is outside in the playground she plays with no one. If she asks anyone to play they say no. I have witnessed this and seen her walking around with...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=148Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:38:37 GMTMy 12 year old daughter seems to be having problems with her friends at school. They are accusing her of lying and stirring trouble. She tells me that she always feels on the outside of the group and that they all talk over her and ignore her. She is very...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=150Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:38:19 GMTI have been bringing up my son on my own for seven years. My son and I through circumstances have had a very close relationship but often difficult. I have had no support with bringing him up on a regular basis. Consequently he will often behave as a jealous child...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=155Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:37:34 GMTMy Daughter who is 12 is hanging out with a group of unruly children, two girls and two boys. The sisters I have had to tea and took an instant dislike to, their parents leave them to run around on their own. The boys are rude and swear. These children...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=158Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:37:03 GMTI have a ten year old son who will not go to the toilet until he is absolutely bursting! Nearly every day he hangs on to the point where he has his legs crossed. He has sat on his legs at the meal table, fidgeting to the point where you...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=163Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:36:41 GMTMy 11 year old daughter has recently started her senior prep year in a new school, which she says she really likes and has made lots of new friends however her behaviour has changed markedly since starting at this school. She is sulky, shows little emotion when scolded and responds...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=164Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:36:17 GMTMy daughter has just started secondary school and nags me about giving her more independence; it’s a constant battle as she says I treat her like a three year old and that I don't trust her. This is complete nonsense as she is a good kid with a sensible head...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=165Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:35:46 GMTHi there, I have an 11 year old son who like many has recently started at high school. Before he started there his personality was of a child who was very clingy with me. He was lacking in confidence and very nervous of new things. He spent an awful amount...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=166Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:35:28 GMTMy 12 year old daughter wants permission for a sleepover where there will be boys and girls. She's furious that I won't let her and can't understand why I think it is inappropriate. Other parents are letting their girls go. Am I wrong to be worried about 12 year olds...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=167Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:35:08 GMTMy children are aged 12 and 10. They currently go to a childminder whilst I work but are constantly asking at what age they can stay home. At what age can I legally leave them at home?http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=168Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:34:45 GMTI’m having problems with my 15 year old son going to school. He only has to attend 2 days a week and he can’t manage that and I don’t know what to do. I have already been fined for him not attending. I’ve talked till I’m blue in the face...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=191Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:34:06 GMTCan you help me in teaching my son who is aged eight, the value of money? He is an only child and I feel that he is becoming spoilt, he does understand money and the cost of things from trips to the supermarket but I don’t feel he appreciates what...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=60Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:28:10 GMTOur son is five years old fairly confident and outgoing usually, however we have taken him along to a Saturday lunchtime football kick around and he's reluctant to join, his words are "I don't want to play with big boys." We didn't push him we just let him watch. He...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=65Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:27:20 GMTI am a lone parent of eight year old we have just lost my mother, who lived with us, last month. My daughter adored her and has become very volatile. Tonight through overtiredness and having been discovered to have told me some lies she got angry and went into the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=68Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:26:02 GMTI have a five year old daughter who has been at school for nearly a year. She has always been very cautious and nervous about places and people and I thought she would 'grow out of it'. She hasn't and is now very shy, introverted and has had difficulty making...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=71Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:25:01 GMTMy 8 year old son son has disclosed to me that while staying overnight at his friends house, they started to explore, kissing and touching but that the other boy did things my son felt uncomfortable with or didn't know about. Some of these things were quite explicit. This happened...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=111Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:24:22 GMTA few weeks ago I caught my daughter kissing another 6 year old girl and I told her off about it. Then last week she was at a friend’s house watching a DVD and when the other child’s brother walked into the bedroom my daughter was on top of the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=113Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:13:00 GMTMy six year old son was asking us about the meaning of having sex? He told us that few kids from his class were talking about having sex with the girls of same class and also talking about being in love and kissing? We were very shocked at this but...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=114Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:12:39 GMTI just wondered what type of play is normal between six/seven year olds. My daughter and her friend were playing together in another room and started a game of 'boyfriends and girlfriends’. My daughter was the boy. This play then resulted in them rubbing against each other and kissing and...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=120Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:12:19 GMTMy recent suspicions that my seven year old daughter has been masturbating have been confirmed. Obviously, I am quite disturbed at this realisation. Surely it cannot be normal? I am very shocked to say the least and worried about how often she does this. Should I confront her about it?...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=130Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:12:02 GMTI am the father of two beautiful girls aged six and eight. The eldest has always been a ‘daddy’s girl’ which I tried to discourage but I think my wife took this to heart, they have similar personalities and they clash. My wife shouts a lot which causes my daughter...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=153Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:11:41 GMTMy children who are 8 & 9 years old, have this summer been allowed to go out on their bikes to call for friends and play out in the park and in and around the village where we live on their own. My problem is that they turn up at...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=157Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:11:25 GMTMy eight year old son has practically no male friends. As long as we can remember he socializes more with girls than with boys. His best friend(s) has always been a girl. Should we be concerned? Should we push him to playing (only) with boys?http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=162Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:11:07 GMTMy three and four month year old has been potty trained for nearly 9 months and now has 5 or 6 accidents a day. Nothing has really changed in the house - we have twins boy and girl 20 months old. I just need some advice as I can’t keep...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=84Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:07:13 GMTMy three and a half year old son has just returned to pre-school he has been fine for the first two weeks back then had a wee accident and now says he’s sick and doesn't want to go to pre-school. He says he hates the teachers and the children and...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=85Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:06:54 GMTMy son will turn four years old in two months. He is fully toilet trained at home (although he still uses a special seat). He has been able for the last couple of months wee and poo by himself on the toilet as well as goes through the whole night...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=88Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:06:16 GMTI have a three year old son who point blank refuses to use the toilet or potty. He won’t even run about the house without a nappy on and gets himself into a state about it what can I do, he goes to nursery in a few weeks and he...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=93Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:05:47 GMTThe problem I have is that I can't get my three year old child to go to sleep on her own. The bedtime routine has always been me reading her a story and then sitting on her bed (or the floor) while she goes to sleep. For the last few...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=94Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:05:29 GMTMy four year old son is sensitive and won't stand up for himself. He hates conflict so always gives in to other children’s demands. He senses trouble brewing and walks away from it (which I admire). Even much younger children see him as a target! He misses out on a...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=101Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:04:33 GMTOur three and a half year old daughter is very bright, loving and affectionate. She has great language skills and is able to sit at tasks such as drawing and making for long periods of time. The problem we are experiencing is that she rarely sleeps through the night even...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=103Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:04:09 GMTI have two boys, aged nearly four years and 15 months. Both are very early risers, anything from 5am onwards. Is there anything I can do to encourage them or make them stay in bed until at least 6.30am if not 7am? My husband and I are so tired, working...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=106Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:03:40 GMTMy daughter is nearly three. She has always been very wary of men apart from my dad who is a big part of our lives. She goes to nursery and is very outgoing there and in close family company, however her clinginess to me is getting quite intense and she...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=107Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:03:19 GMTI have two sons - a three and a half year old, a two year old and another on the way. I'm having a very tough time with my eldest. He's over-emotional (crying when he wakes up in the morning/when he loses a toy/if he doesn't get his own way),...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=110Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:01:35 GMTI have a 4 year old son who plays with our best friend’s daughter who is 8. He has told me that she plays with his winkie and last week when they were playing he discovered he could pull his foreskin back. What do I do? How seriously do I...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=121Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:00:55 GMTI have a three and a half year old boy. His dad and I are separated since early 2005. Lately I have found him lying on top of my bed and moving up and down. But yesterday he took his trousers of and came into the kitchen and started going...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=129Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:00:25 GMTI have rekindled a relationship that ended nearly eight years ago. She now has a four year old daughter. The father is in the picture, but distant, not too engaged. Her mother and I are excited to start over, but I am worried about her daughter's reaction. What should I...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=156Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:00:06 GMTI am a bit anxious about my four year old who has just started school. He seems to be settling in however I am concerned with how to promote him to listen as well as concentrate more. Often he will look away if he is asked a question, especially when...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=192Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:59:40 GMTMy 18 month old has never really slept through the night without at least one bottle of milk at around 4am. Normally she will go back to sleep until around 7am. Recently she is waking in the night more than once, earliest around 10pm and no matter what I do...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=41Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:56:07 GMTMy 20 month old son isn’t walking and I’m a bit worried. My other two children were both walking by their first birthdays. He doesn’t crawl, just shuffles around on his bottom, he does pull himself up on the furniture but that’s all. Is this something I need to worry...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=46Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:55:42 GMTCan anyone suggest how I can cope with my three and a half year old daughter when she's in the middle of a tantrum? She screams and screams and I cannot get her to listen to me or calm down. She's capable of working herself up into a complete state...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=82Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:53:45 GMTMy son is 2 years and 3 months. I'm a single parent and finding it increasingly difficult to keep my cool when my son begins to demand my attention by screaming really loudly, refusing to say 'please' and refusing to sit down 'on his bottom' at the dinner table. When...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=83Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:53:22 GMTMy son is nearly two and a half. Unfortunately he has picked up a swear word either from myself or nursery. He seems to know how to use it in just the right context and always pronounces it very clearly. He can't talk completely yet so this has come as...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=91Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:51:33 GMTMy son (just turned two years old) has no problem settling to sleep at night but from 11.30pm onwards, wakes and screams until I am there to reassure him. This continues every hour throughout the night - I am so exhausted and worse, I just don't want to be near...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=92Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:51:14 GMTMy 20 month old son is very aggressive towards me. He only hits, bites and throws things at me. He's fine at day care and at other people’s homes. Yesterday I was so upset (as I recently lost my father as well) that I was physically ill. He was closing...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=97Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:49:07 GMTI find if very hard to discipline my two year old daughter. I feel so guilty and bad when I tell her off or put her on the bottom step that I have to comfort her. I also find it hard disciplining her when we are out. For example if...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=98Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:48:41 GMTI have two children, one is 17 months old and the other is going on three months. My son (17mths) is very rough with his little sister - kicking, smacking and even biting her. I understand that he is probably jealous of her but he acts the same way with...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=104Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:47:17 GMTOur son is two and a half years old and we would love to find a babysitter or a reliable person to look after him for a couple of hours once a fortnight so we could go out and get some time on our own. We don’t have any family...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=105Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:43:29 GMTI have got my two year old daughter into a bedtime routine of lying beside her until she is asleep and I now want her out of that routine but I’m not sure what the best way to get her out of it is. I’ve tried leaving the room after...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=108Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:42:42 GMTMy two and a half year old son is very violent towards me, his mother. He raises his voice and hits (much like the discipline rendered by his often-absent father). My family and friends advise me to stay vigilant and consistent in teaching him that "no" means "no". However, all...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=109Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:42:22 GMTMy 8 month old son still insists on being swaddled in order to sleep soundly. We swaddled him from birth and have tried to break this habit several times. A week ago we changed to a grobag and used another blanket to tuck down the sides of the mattress. However...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=39Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:00:39 GMTMy 10 month old daughter was up on her feet standing against furniture and keen to walk at eight months; she was also holding a spoon and with guidance putting the spoon and food into her mouth around the same time. Over the last two weeks she seems to have...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=42Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:59:54 GMTMy one year old son seems to be rejecting me (mother) in favour of his father. We have a stable family life, if a little fraught sometimes. He has an older brother of five. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have changed anything I've done with him over the...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=43Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:59:27 GMTHow can I get my daughter to finish off her education? She is so far behind with course work, never wants to talk about it, will not approach teachers for help and now is insisting that she is refusing to go to school and is adamant that she will not...http://parentlineplus.org.uk/default.aspx?page=viewquestion&module=qanda-view&id=194Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:08:22 GMT