You feel overwhelmed because this is an overwhelming time but putting a plan in place to get help from your husband or friends could make a big difference

She clams up if I try to speak to her about it and it's difficult to see her struggle

Her decision to go on holiday with another family instead of her own is not just hers to make

My husband is a big sports fan but my son couldn't care less so they miss out on the bonding opportunity of watching a game or going to matches

The older one seems to take particular pleasure in annoying the younger one

Because this is not a shared interest for you, be careful you are not projecting your opinions about women who dress up or wear makeup onto her. She sounds like a happy, healthy, typically developing teenager

Don’t just focus on what you will say to your children, focus on listening to them and allowing them to share and express their thoughts, worries, or excitement

Child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune gives advice about an evolving relationship between two brothers

I’ve told her she’s smart almost since the day she was born, but nothing I say seems to make a difference

There is no ideal way to navigate this transition — remember that good enough really is good enough