I was brought up in an abusive family. Should I cut them off
Dear Annalisa, I’m going through prolonged issues that have churned up painful memories of my childhood and adulthood. It’s difficult to know how to go on, as my…
What can we do to stop our son’s post-nursery meltdowns?
Dear Annalisa, I am a married mum of two boys, aged four and two. The oldest goes to nursery Monday-Friday, and the youngest is looked after at…
My mother’s grief is making our relationship toxic
Dear Annalisa, I am a woman in my late 30s, married with two small children with a rewarding and demanding career. I live some hours’ drive away from…
I feel the pull of family in New Zealand but worry about leaving my London life
Dear Annalisa, I’m torn between two places – London (my current home) and New Zealand, where my parents and sibling live. I’m a mixed race 29-year-old female,…
My nine-year-old son still wants to sleep in my bed. Should I let him?
Dear Annalisa, My son, who is nearly nine, insists, at least once or twice a week, on sleeping with me in my bed as our special time.…
I’m 40 and my parents are still body-shaming me
Dear Annalisa, I am a 40-year-old single professional woman with an exciting life. A few years ago I started to gain weight despite exercising regularly and eating…
My adult daughters are angry with me for leaving the country. What can I do?
Dear Annalisa, I am a 70-year-old woman, I left the UK 20 years ago and now live in Europe. I have three daughters who are still angry at me…
My parents failed to guide me through my education. Do I confront them?
Dear Annalisa, Our eldest just started university. We have provided every conceivable support up to now, and also committed to shouldering accommodation costs for the next…
Can I ever heal after the lack of love my birth mother showed me?
Dear Annalisa, I am a much-loved adopted child. Both my adoptive parents died several years ago. I was told that my birth mother apparently loved me…
My in-laws won’t accept my post-chemo vulnerability. Do I confront them?
Dear Annalisa, Two years ago, aged 35, I was diagnosed with cancer and required major surgery and six months of chemotherapy. I have a wonderful husband,…
Annalisa Barbieri 
You must be logged in to post a comment.