My daughter is leaving for university. How can I support her – and cope with the loss?
Dear Annalisa, I am a single mum to an 18-year-old daughter. It has always been just us two, and we have a very open, supportive, healthy relationship. She…
I want to become a single mum, but feel envious of peers with partners
I am a very lucky person who has a huge amount to be happy and grateful for. But although I have many excellent friendships, I have had…
I want to marry my girlfriend, but I’m worried it may upset my young son
I am a 44-year-old man, with a seven-year-old son. His mother and I are divorced, and I moved out when he was three. We share custody; he is with…
I am three months sober. How do I support my 11-year-old autistic son?
I am a recovering alcoholic and need advice on how to support my son, who is 11 and autistic. I am three months sober with the help of…
Our daughter is being controlled by a school friend. What can we do?
Our 11-year-old daughter is in a “friendship” with a classmate, which we have come to realise is unhealthy and controlling. She was very shy and self-conscious through…
My partner misled me about wanting a family, but I’m desperate to have kids
I was very clear about wanting a family early in our relationship, but after two and a half years together my partner has admitted he doesn’t want…
A controlling partner is isolating my daughter. What can I do to help?
My daughter has gradually withdrawn from family events. She lives far from us all and doesn’t come home any more after being a real homebird. She…
I’m worried my autistic son is going to struggle socially in his new school
My son is starting secondary school in September. He is the only child from his primary transitioning to a selective grammar school. He has always struggled with friendships and I feel this is…
My mum won’t let me have a smartphone. Is she being unfair?
Dear Annalisa, My mum has always been protective, and I fear it is destroying my social lifebecause I haven’t grown up with much access to social media. I don’t mean…
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…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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