Relationships with family and carers
Each family is different and there are ways to deal with conflict. Find out how to deal with different family issues and have positive relationships.
Conflict with your family
Everyone has family conflict. Occasional tension or arguments are normal, however there are things you can do to stop conflict from getting worse.
With your parents, guardians or carers conflict might happen due to:
- differences in your opinions and values
- poor communication
- your desire for more independence
- feeling like you’re being treated like a kid
- your privacy not being respected
- changes are happening in your family
- you feeling the pressure of their expectations.
Conflict with your brothers and sisters can happen due to:
- differences in age
- jealousy or competitiveness
- lack of space.
There are different ways of dealing with family conflict. Visit the ReachOut website for tips on how to deal with conflict, talk to your family and ease tension with a family member.
You can also work on improving your communication skills, then talking to your family to let them know how you feel.
If things don’t get any better, contact Kids Helpline to have a chat with someone and get some support.
Dealing with divorce and custody
Coming to terms with a divorce and changes in your family or living arrangements can be really tough. Although custody agreements can be uncomfortable or difficult to understand, there are things you can do to help you through these tricky times.
As your family relationships change there will be a lot to adjust to which can take time. Here are some things you can do:
- ask your parents/guardians why they’re divorcing
- let your parent/guardians know what your preferred living situation is
- ask them not to talk to you about their problems with each other
- talk to other family members about your feelings.
If you are struggling, you can ask to talk to someone such as a trusted adult, school counsellor, youth worker or psychologist. You can also call KidsHelpline.
Visit the ReachOut website for more information about dealing with divorce and custody.
You can also watch a video about what it’s like to live in a blended family.
Where to get help
If you are, or someone you know is, in immediate danger call the police on Triple Zero (000).
headspace
Supports young people and their families going through a tough time.
- For ages 12 to 25
- Phone 1800 650 890 (9am to 1am AEST, 7 days)
- Find a headspace centre near you
- Online web chat and email counselling are also available
- www.eheadspace.org.au
Kids Helpline
To talk to someone about anything that’s going on in your life.
- For ages 5 to 25
- Phone 1800 55 1800 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Online web chat and email are also available
- www.kidshelpline.com.au
Lifeline
For support and advice in a personal crisis.
- For all ages
- Phone 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Online web chat is available 7 days a week from 7pm to midnight (AEST)
- www.lifeline.org.au
ReachOut NextStep
If you are going through a tough time, you’re not alone. Find the best support options for you. Watch how it works.
- For ages 18 to 25
- http://au.reachout.com/#nextstep
Youth Beyond Blue
For understanding what’s going on and getting help if you are going through a tough time, feeling stressed, anxious or down.
- For young people
- Phone 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Online web chat and email are also available
- www.youthbeyondblue.com
More information
- Information about family relationships
- Developing good coping skills
- Dealing with anger
- 5 ways to get your parents to really listen to you
- 7 tips for dealing with change
- 3 steps to better communication
- ReachOut forums