I’m on verge of putting daughter into care because my husband won’t help

DEAR DEIDRE: Coping with my daughter alone has left me so stressed that I’m on the verge of putting her into care.

I desperately need her dad to help me, but he’s useless and leaves everything to me.

I’m 36 and my husband is 38. Our daughter is eight and she’s very difficult. 

She gets into trouble at school and won’t do anything she’s told. Just getting her dressed or to eat a meal is a battle.

My husband thinks childcare is the mother’s job, and his role is just to go out to work and provide financially.

If she misbehaves, he makes it clear he thinks it’s my fault. 

I feel exhausted and sick with stress.

DEIDRE SAYS: You’re at the end of your tether, and your husband needs to pull his weight.

Explain to him how low you are feeling and ask him again to help, to take the pressure off you.

It’ll also be good for your daughter to build a relationship with her father. 

My support pack, Stressed With The Kids, may help. 

Do call Family Lives a call too for parenting advice (www.familylives.org.uk, 0808 800 2222).