My family dynamic is a difficult one which continues to upset me at random intervals. In 2007 I lost my mum very suddenly, leaving myself, my sister who is 3 years younger than me and my brother who is 9 and my dad. I was at the 17 years old and i stepped into my mums role, taking care of everyone. My mother was always the nurturing parent, she was the one to ask us how are day was and to hang out with us and talk. My dad is not like that and never has been however our relationship is a very rocky one and not one i would call a relationship. I understand it is linked with the way he was brought up, his dad was the provider and that’s it. But it is very hurtful when we have arguments for many things that shouldn’t cause arguments such as; when my sister and i try to talk to him to see if he needs help financially (we were told its none of our business), when we get shouted at because we apparently don’t help enough (but we have been told not to ask). It’s very tiring and i’m sick of it. I’m sick of a tense household. I’m sick of not being able to sleep because of what mood he might be in tomorrow, worrying if he will have a go at my sister for nothing. I’m sick of being upset and hurt by him not wanting a relationship with us, or not trying to see what will help us all get on. He just sees him as being in the right and we are in the wrong. He is seeing a woman, she stays round every weekend and he thinks that’s okay because he says it’s none of our business. But then when he makes us feel like we need to move out it hurts. I just don’t really know what to do.

I’m sorry that this has come out as a rant! I’ve just come off the phone to the Samaritians and i just thought i would see what someone on here could advice.