Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Talking to Parents > Relationship with dad?
Posted on: 08/26/2008
Question
my parents got divorced when i was around 4. several years ago when i was in the 7th grade i moved in with my dad. he is bi-polar, an alcoholic, and at the time, was using cocaine. so of course it was not a good environment to live in. after living with him for a semester i moved back in with my mom. a few months later he moved to Alaska and blames me for it because i said i didn't want a relationship with him. (I never said that. I said i wanted to live with my mom again.) Although he is getting better in Alaska, drinking much less, no longer doing cocaine and taking less anti-psychotics, he's still difficult to have a relationship with because he's just so controlling. is there anything i can do to try to have a healthy, honest relationship with my dad?
Answer
I am sorry your life has had this struggle. It sounds like you have had counseling, so keep that up, and remember that his issues are his issues - not yours.
The best thing you can do - for both of you - is to take care of yourself, reach out when you can, defend yourself when he blames you for his unhappiness and remember that you are strong, good and loved.