There’s no one right way to do it. Some people tell them directly. Some people spend more time with them first and see if the feeling grows. Some people decide not to tell them at all, and that's okay too.
If you do want to tell them, keep it simple. You don't need a huge speech or a grand gesture. Something like, "I think you're really cool and I like spending time with you" is enough.
The brave part isn't getting the answer you want — it's being honest about how you feel. Whatever you choose, remember that liking someone is normal. It can feel exciting, awkward, scary and wonderful all at the same time. That's part of being human. And whether they like you back or not doesn't change how valuable you are as a person.
Bad relationships and friendships can be really confusing because they often don't feel bad all the time. Sometimes there are good moments too, which can make it hard to work out what to do.
If a friendship or relationship leaves you feeling upset, scared, controlled, left out or like you're not good enough, that's worth paying attention to. Relationships should add to your life, not make you feel worse about yourself.
You don't have to figure it out alone. Talk to a trusted adult, teacher, school wellbeing staff member or another safe person in your life. Sometimes having someone outside the situation can help you see things more clearly.
Maybe Kids Helpline is somewhere you’d like to try – you can connect with their webchat here https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
That sounds really tough. When adults and kids are frustrated with each other, it can sometimes feel like you're always getting in trouble or that nothing you do is right. That doesn't feel good. Something that's important to know is that counselling does not mean you are bad or broken. It can be a safe place to talk, sort through big feelings and get support.
When things at home feel like this, it can help to talk to someone safe who can listen properly, like a trusted adult at school, a family member you trust, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. You don’t have to work it all out by yourself.
You can also connect to the Kids Helpline webchat here https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
That is a really hard position to be in. When parents are separated, it can feel like you’re being pulled in different directions, especially when you care about both parents and still have your own wants and feelings.
You are allowed to miss one parent when you’re with the other. You are allowed to want time, space and choices without feeling guilty.
Sometimes adults have big feelings too, and they might not realise how much those feelings are affecting the young people around them. That doesn’t make it your job to fix it. It just means getting support can really help.
Please talk to a safe adult — a teacher, school wellbeing person, family member you trust, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or their webchat. You deserve someone on your team to help!
