My sister needs help

[Lantanabanana]

My sister has 3 children she’s a single
parent her children are 9 13 and 5. The 5 year old is her biggest struggle. He doesn’t listen to anything does as he pleases and she’s at rock bottom. As a family we are all struggling with what to do for her.

she’s at the point now she’s gave up. He eats what he wants does as he pleases and we really don’t know what to do for her. Any suggestions welcome please

Honestly, it sounds like in the short term. She needs a break. Like she needs no children in her care and to rest and recover, which is what a burnt out parent who has a supportive co-parent would do. Can you as a family offer to have the children for a weekend or a week between you?

In the longer term, she needs plans in place to make life easier and she needs extra support. Is she working? Can she speak to her employer about support, being signed off, mental health support through a workplace health programme, etc? If she isn’t working, can she go via Early Help or her GP? Is she drinking alcohol or using any other substances to cope? Support with that will have a domino effect through everything else.

Is the 5 year old at school? Do you know how he behaves there?

She could phone Family Lives or Gingerbread.

What's the youngest like of you look after her for the day?