Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
We imagine you feel shocked, confused, disappointed, and betrayed. It would be helpful to speak with your mum directly. Try to listen to her thoughts and feelings, too.
Understanding why your mum did what she did might help you feel less hurt and angry. It could also help you trust her again.
Tell your mum how upset you are about what she did. Let her know that you trusted her to keep your secret. Be honest about how her actions made you feel. Talking openly can help you understand each other better and fix the problem.
It is also important to tell her what you want to keep private. Explain that you decide who knows details about your personal life.
If you can’t talk to your mum about the problem or find a solution, ask someone to help. This person could be a relative, a teacher, or a school counsellor. They can help you and your mom talk about it.
It takes time to build trust again. Be honest and open with each other. It’s important to have people around who support and listen to you.
Talk it out
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Have you ever had a secret you didn’t want anyone to know? How did it feel?
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What advice would you give to someone who is having trouble talking to their parents?
This question was answered by San Hung, a registered counselling psychologist (HKPS) in private practice in Hong Kong.
