‘I am lonely and depressed’ – Dr Louise answers your burning questions

I lost my job and have now started my own handyman business, but I’m struggling financially as I try to get it off the ground. The result is that I work every day and my wife now tells me that I’m neglecting my children. How can I give them quality time when I’m trying to put food on the table for them?

Brendan, email

Providing food for your children is paramount because it is one of the basic needs of life. The fact that you have only now started your business will require you to work very hard and diligently because you must make sure to provide quality service if you want your clients to refer other clients to you.

You don’t mention how old your children are. If they are older, you can have a chat with them and explain that you now have to work very hard, but you’re thinking about them all the time, and if you work late and come home past their bedtime, they should write a short letter to you about their day and what they’d like to say to you. While you’re eating your dinner you can read their letters and write a letter back.