How do I get my quitter son to realise that no job is perfect?
Dear Annalisa, My son is 30 and a lawyer. He is ambitious and enthusiastic, but he’s now in his fourth job, and already wants to leave after…
My teenage son constantly lies to us. How do we get the trust back?
Dear Annalisa, My son is 15 and causing no end of trouble. He is a good kid, pushing against the boundaries and learning to grow up.…
Do I need to leave my partner for the sake of my fragile son?
Dear Annalisa, I am 62 years old and semi-retired. I’ve worked hard all my life. In my 30s I had a son; it was just the…
My son seems to blame me for his anxiety. How can we reconnect?
Dear Annalisa, My 22-year-old son is about to start his third year of a four-year degree course, and he is living at home. He has always been quiet and…
My 14-year-old spends all his time online. Is he a gaming addict?
Dear Annalisa, My son is nearly 15 and my only child. His father and I separated some years ago and they see each other regularly. My son…
My partner delights in being a dad, but is awful to me. What can I do?
Dear Annalisa, My partner and I have been together for five years; we have a son. My partner wasn’t supportive during my pregnancy and showed no interest in antenatal appointments or…
My toxic mother wants contact with my child – how do I approach this?
Dear Annalisa, I am expecting a baby later this year. Despite living in a different country, my mother wants to be as involved as she can. I…
Our adopted daughter has rejected us. How can we help her?
Dear Annalisa, After years of trying to have a baby, my husband and I adopted a girl of early primary school age. Despite doing lots of homework,…
My husband wants a divorce after 30 years. What do I tell the children? The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa Some time ago, out of the blue, my husband told me he wanted a divorce. I was horrified and astonished – we had been…
How do I explain to my children the rift with my mother, whose partner abused me? The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa I have been estranged from my mother since I was 18. When my brother and I were very young, my mother left my father…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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