Arguing can be healthy in a relationship when it helps each partner to talk about their feelings, feel heard and be understood. However, when it happens a lot, is intense, and doesn't help sort out the problem, it can be a sign of an unhealthy relationship and be upsetting for you to be around.
You may be unsure whether your parents are communicating well, so read on to find more information about what unhealthy relationships look like, how arguing in a household can affect you and some resources to help you cope.
By young people, for young people
"My dad and mum would argue to the point they were getting in each others face and I would worry about my brother and sister. I felt my Dad blamed me and my siblings, but when we talked about it with my Aunty, she helped us talk to him and he explained how he was feeling and it helped."
Youth Advisory Board Member, Age 12
Quizzes & Activities for Support
Advice About Families & Relationships
Family Conflict Resources & Support Services
If there's an adult or friend you can trust, chat with them about your questions or worries. They might be able to put your mind at rest or give you some useful advice. You can also speak to your GP for advice.
If you live in Norfolk:
If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you live in Waveney:
You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
Child Contact Centres offer advice to young people whose parents have separated and they are dealing with changes in family arrangements, like who to live with. Their information line 0115 948 4557 is open Monday to Friday between 9am-1pm.
NHS Talking Therapies also known as the wellbeing service is a counselling and therapy service for people living in Norfolk and Suffolk. Call 0300 123 1503 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Wellbeing Norfolk & Waveney is a service for counselling and support for young people aged 16-19 years old.
MAP provides counselling mental health advice and support to young people in Norfolk, with drop in services in Norwich & Great Yarmouth for a face to face appointment.
Childline is a UK-based charity who offers support on the phone, or online via chat 24/7. Call 0800 1111 for support.
Kooth offers mental health support for 11-25-year-olds online through your phone 7 days a week until 10pm.
Access to Mental Health Advice & Support - you can request support for your mental health and wellbeing.
It can be really tough when a parent or carer uses drugs and it impacts you, but you don’t have to cope alone, there's always help available.
Supporting someone with mental health problems can be an exhausting and difficult task. The Mix is here to offer some advice on how best to help someone with a mental illness.
Family can be there for you and be a huge support for your mental health. But things between you and your family may not always be easy. If you're struggling with your family, we have information and advice that can help.
