Helpline to ease parental stress

Christmas can send parental stress levels soaring

Last Christmas was a time of rising stress for Frances.

Juggling the different demands of children, an ex-husband, her current partner and his ex-wife and three sets of grandparents it was obvious that things were going to get very messy.

No-one was going to get exactly the Christmas time they wanted and everyone started putting in their claims early.

And for Frances it meant Christmas was doomed to be one long stressful row.

So at the end of her tether Frances phoned Parentline Plus to get vital help to get her and the family through the pitfalls of the festive season.

A free and confidential helpline, Parentline Plus offers help and advice to stressed parents, telling them where to turn for help and how to defuse emotional situations.

Frances decided to hold a family conference to make plans for Christmas and to portion out tasks and to set priorities.

What we are trying to do is be there for any child or parent struggling

Peter Eldrid, Deputy Chief Executive of Parentline Plus

And she said she was now feeling more hopeful about this year's festivities.

"It might end in an argument as it usually does, but it might not and even if it does, I still feel better about the whole thing."

Peter Eldrid, Deputy Chief Executive of Parentline Plus, said parents like Frances and carers, particularly those with stepfamilies and separated families, can find the festive season a nightmare to negotiate.

He said Parentline Plus listen to parents and gave advice about where to go for further help.

"In some instances it is very serious. We look at ways of helping parents and carers cope with Christmas.

"We offer this 24-hour service if problems get too serious.

"These problems can be anything from not getting on with partners or ex-partners.

Struggling

"We are helping people realise what is acceptable and we are talking to them about when things have broken down".

"What we are trying to do is be there for any child or parent struggling."

He said that many parents were too scared to ask for help, assuming that everyone else is coping and that they are the only ones having problems.

"People assume that everyone else is having a good time when they are struggling.

"Our message is saying that it is OK not to get it right and to take some time out for yourself. It is a sign of strength to ask for help."

Mr Eldrid stressed that although the helpline, 0808 800 2222 is free, callers using some mobile phones might face charges.