Tomorrow Caroline Ansell MP will put forward a bill for debate in the House of Commons that calls for the government departments to give greater consideration to the impact of their policies on family life. Her Private Members Bill calls for the Government to extend and embed its use of the Family Test during policy… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Talktime
Am I addicted to love?
I’ve only had one serious relationship, it ended some years ago but I still can’t get over it. I miss my ex often, sometimes in a physical and overwhelming way that feels like a kind of madness. The only respite is when I meet someone new to be crazy about. I recently realised I have… Read more »
How to cope with loneliness and loss this Christmas
Christmas can be a wonderful time of year if you have lots of close family and friends around to celebrate with you, but if you’re alone, don’t get on well with your family or you’re generally feeling down it can be really hard. You’re ‘supposed’ to be having a great time and everyone around you… Read more »
My boyfriend’s daughter is sabotaging our relationship
My relationship with my partner is being ruined because he’s torn between me and his daughter. She doesn’t want us together. She blackmails him emotionally. Due to illness, I currently don’t work – although I have done most of my life – and I swear she holds this against me. He’s only been with one… Read more »
My teenager has joined a gang
Finding out your teenager has joined a gang is extremely worrying and upsetting for any parent. It can leave you concerned they’ll end up on the wrong side of the law or in a violent situation. You may want to talk to them, but aren’t sure if you’ll be able to get through. Perhaps you’ve… Read more »
My husband won’t accept our daughter is gay
Our daughter is a clever, kind and loving young woman who recently came out as gay. I’m proud of her for being brave enough to be honest about this and be true to who she is. However, my husband is refusing to accept it. He acts as if it’s just a phase – despite our… Read more »
How to stop arguments spinning out of control: using time outs
Have you noticed that arguments with your partner often blow up before getting resolved? Do disagreements easily pass the point of no return? Do you sometimes both say things you’ll regret later before one of you storms out? Are issues only ironed out after an apology? Many couples bring this destructive pattern of conflict to… Read more »
How do I tell my grown-up children I’m getting a divorce?
Our youngest son (18) recently left home to move to another city. Things haven’t been good between me and my husband for a while (i.e. five years or more), but having time to talk about things properly has made it clear neither of our hearts are really in this anymore and we’ve decided to separate… Read more »
10 tips for a happy relationship
1. Talk constructively How you say things is as important as what you’re saying. If you and your partner are having a disagreement, don’t just attack them or go all-out criticising. Why not try using ‘I’ statements? By saying ‘I feel’ rather than ‘You always…’ you’re taking responsibility for your emotions and your partner won’t… Read more »
Me and my partner have really different attitudes towards parenting
It can be really worrying when you and your partner have different attitudes towards parenting. We often imagine that the person who’s right for us will have similar opinions on big stuff like this, so if they don’t it can feel like a bad sign. Ideas about parenting in particular can be a surprise as… Read more »