My daughter’s barbed comments hurt me. How should I respond?
Dear Annalisa, My daughter is in her 30s and leads an independent life with a demanding job, which gives her a lot of satisfaction. Her mother and…
I’ve been with my girlfriend for six months. Is it too soon to have a child?
Dear Annalisa, Since I started dating my girlfriend six months ago, I’ve had this feeling that something just fits, in a way I’ve never felt before.…
I long to move to the seaside, but will it unsettle my children?
Dear Annalisa, Four years ago, we relocated at a time we thought least harmful to our children: the youngest was starting primary school, the eldest junior school.…
My 10-year-old has started sleeping in my bed. Am I wrong to allow it?
Dear Annalisa, Before lockdown, my 10-year-old daughter slept in her own bed every night without any problems. She is an intelligent, happy girl, albeit a bit…
My father-in-law criticises my parenting. How do I deal with that?
Dear Annalisa, My husband’s parents live nearby and have been a great support since my son was born last year (my family live abroad). They regularly help out…
My in-laws are manipulating our children. How do I stop them?
Dear Annalisa, I am worried my in-laws are trying to turn my children against me. They are mainly civil on the surface, but they’ve never liked me…
My father always put me down. Do I have to pretend to like him?
Dear Annalisa, Since childhood, I have had a fraught relationship with my father who always had to be right. We were not supposed to challenge or disagree…
I left my baby to cry at night for a week – is it my fault she’s an anxious child?
Dear Annalisa, I am the mother of a four-year-old (due to go to school next month) and a 20-month-old, both girls. I am quite anxious and highly strung. I have…
I feel ashamed that my marriage is over: how can I tell our young son?
Dear Annalisa, After 22 years together (half my life), my husband and I have decided to separate. We’ve had extensive therapy, we love each other and want…
I’m terrified that I will die, leaving my son. How can I cope?
Dear Annalisa, I’m 54 and happily married, with a 15-year-old son. In the past, I didn’t have maternal feelings, but since having my son, I feel as if…
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