Advice: My friend’s parents are so kind, but mine are strict. I can’t stop thinking about switching families

We’re sorry to hear that this has been on your mind! Here is our advice on what you can do:

1. Reflect: “Strict” is not always bad. If your parents’ rules are reasonable because they want you to get enough sleep and finish your work, then their strictness might be helpful. But if they aren’t understanding and you always feel scared of disappointing them, it’s best to chat with them about it.

2. Chat: When your parents are free, share how you feel. How could they show more kindness to you? They might be treating you the way they were raised and need to learn to be more caring. Maybe they can agree to relax the rules sometimes. Hopefully, they will have an open mind and consider changing how they treat you.

3. Get support: Talk to a friend about how you feel. It might help to know that most kids get frustrated with their mums and dads. But if your parents are so strict that it makes you feel unsafe, consider telling a trusted adult.

Most parents want to do their best to take care of us, and they might need time to change. The important part is being open and kind to each other.

Talk it out

Everyone has different ways to show love. How do your parents show that they love you?