Sir, While this may be the "season to be jolly", many parents are experiencing great difficulty from continuing demands and, pressures. The stress builds up ash they endeavour to produce the perfect Christmas for all, exploding sometimes with dire consequences.
There are single parents, lonely and isolated, trying their utmost to make Christmas for their children. For them, the season of goodwill means continual exclusion from their family home and, non-acceptance of their parenting status.
Parentline, an anonymous telephone help line for parents under stress, is aware of the stresses since Christmas began in November, our calls have trebled. We would appreciate the opportunity of informing your readers that our help line will remain open on Christmas Eve from 10 am 6 pm. (Tel (01) 8733500) Yours, etc., Administrator, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.