#441 Am I Wrong to Hate My Own Daughter?

In this deeply emotional and raw episode, Niall reads a heartbreaking email from a mother pushed to her limits. She’s 38, raising a 16-year-old daughter with special needs on her own, and confesses a truth that many parents may feel but are too afraid to say aloud: "Although I love her, I also hate her so much for ruining my life."

The mother describes the breakdown of her marriage, the loss of her job, constant verbal and physical abuse from her daughter, and a deep sense of isolation. She's tried support groups, family help, and even dating, but nothing seems to offer lasting relief. Now, she’s considering putting her daughter into care—just to survive.

Listeners call in with powerful stories and opinions, some standing in empathy and support, others expressing shock and concern.

One caller shares: “I’ve been there, Niall. My son is 12 and has severe behavioural issues. I’ve screamed into my pillow more nights than I can count. This mother is brave for admitting what many of us are afraid to say.”

Another says: “I was raised by a single mum with a disability and if she’d spoken about me like this, I’d be devastated. That girl needs love, not resentment.”

Others offer practical thoughts:

“I don’t think she hates her child, Niall. I think she hates the life she’s been forced into without proper support.”

“Putting her daughter in care isn’t giving up—it might be the only safe choice for both of them.”

Niall navigates the emotional weight of the conversation with compassion, asking the big question: Is this mother truly wrong to feel the way she does—or is society failing families like hers by not giving them real, long-term support?