1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

"Christmas depresses me"

I’m dreading Christmas. My dad lost his job recently and things have changed. We won’t be going away this year and we can’t expect as many gifts. It really depresses me. Christmas will be awful.
Cian

It’s natural to feel depressed about these changes but you can change your response to the situation. Imagine how hard it is for your father to see you so distressed. It must be tough that he can’t give his family what they expect from him.

The kindest present you can offer is to lower your expectations. Be positive about what your parents can provide and you’ll learn a valuable life lesson: it’s impossible to be unhappy when you have a grateful heart. Your Christmas will become a time to celebrate when you finally accept what you cannot change.

"My parents have split"

My parents have just split up and I’m devastated. I knew they hadn’t been getting on but I hoped they’d patch things up. Now my father has moved out into a tiny little flat and I hate visiting him there. He looks so sad. I don’t know what to do.
Sandra

Your father probably feels bad about his flat too and also about his daughter seeing him living like that. Talk to him about how you feel. Don’t let the fear of upsetting him get in the way. Try, "I don’t know how you cope living here. Is it hard to have so little space?" It may be a big relief for him to feel free to discuss it.

It’s important that you also talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. Your parents may be too distressed to help, so try talking to close friends or grandparents instead.

"God has let me down"

I’ve always had a strong faith but I’m beginning to wonder about God. I prayed to God to make my grandmother better when she was ill, but she died a few weeks ago. Mum says that she’s in heaven now and that I should be happy she’s free from pain, but I didn’t want her to die. Why didn’t God answer my prayers?
Grainne

Faith is about accepting that God knows best. Which would you prefer - to keep your grandmother alive and in pain, or to let her die and enjoy eternal rest free from all suffering?

Talk to God and ask why your prayers weren’t answered. Talk about how you miss your gran and talk to her too. When you think about the lovely times you shared you can still feel her love for you and your love for her. She’s still in your heart. I hope this prayer will bring you acceptance and peace.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10