Hi David my son is 11 and his dad has MS and I have poor health too. He seems angry and feels he is doomed because we are sick. He is doing ok at school and with friends though. But I don’t know how to help him.

Chronic illness in the parents of an 11-year-old often results in limited interaction with the child and limited emotional support being available to him or her. This is no one's fault, it is just a result of diminished energy and feeling ill.

Children can't be expected to understand this.

Their needs for instrumental and emotional support are primary and when unmet often result in feelings of anger and confusion. I wonder if there isn't someone in the family your son can talk to openly? Maybe an aunt or uncle or grandparent?

It might be helpful for someone to take the time to play with your son and entertain him from time to time or to take him on excursions. Since he is doing well at school and has friends there probably isn't a lot to be alarmed about. You might sit down with him and open up a conversation, asking him how he feels and if you can help in any way. 

Every week on Moncrieff, David Carey, a psychologist with over 25 years experience in both clinical and educational settings, answers your parenting questions. Tune in live today at 3pm, or listen back to the podcasts of the show.