Dear Jasmine,
I am 12 years old and at that age your dad is supposed to be your hero, right? But that is not the case with me at all. I hate him, he is not really abusive but he can’t control his anger and he gets violent. I am dead scared of him and he acts like he is God.
He does not act like a grown man; he copies me if he doesn’t like what I do. I really hate him! He has hurt me twice and hurt my mom once and we are now going to a counselor. But I mean I really hate him. I have two sisters that are 7 and 10 years old and one brother who are 9 years old and I am afraid of what may happen to them. Please help me. I am too young to deal with this and I cry myself to sleep cause I am so overwhelmed.
Love,
Lauren
Door County, WI
Dear Lauren,
Unfortunately, not all adults act like their adults and not all fathers become your hero. It sounds like your father has issues with controlling his temper. It is good to hear that you guys are going to counseling because it sounds like your family needs it. I think your father also needs to attend anger management in order to work on his anger. I don’t think counseling alone will help.
Next time you are at the counselor, tell him/her how scared you are of your dad because he cannot control his anger. Suggest that your father may need to take anger management classes. You should not be living in fear of your dad and if the counselor you are attending doesn’t do anything about it.
I would suggest that you go see your school counselor and let him/her know of your situation and how they could help you because I think its quite dangerous for you to be living with your dad while he is being abusive towards you and your mother. Your mother may also need to report domestic abuse if your father is abusing her at all because it could led to something worse later if nothing is done now.
I know it’s a scary thing to have to go through and disappointing, but your dad needs help. He may not want the help and if he does not get it, it may not be a good idea for you to be living with him. Talk to your counselor and hopefully get your dad the help he needs before its too late.
Always here,
Jasmine
