Parent/Carer Information
We know that being a parent or carer isn’t always easy. Although it’s often amazing and rewarding to watch your children or young people grow up, it can also be hard work and challenging at times. Things might feel especially difficult if your child or young person is struggling with their mental health at the moment. Or if their mood and behaviour seem different, and you're not sure why or what you can do to help. But you are not alone.
If your child tells you they’re struggling, it’s important to make sure they feel seen and heard. When responding, it helps to:
•Be there to listen
•Value what they say
•Support through difficulties
•Encourage their interests
•Build positive routines
These tips are based on advice from the NHS ‘Better Health: Every Mind Matters’ campaign. These approaches are explained further here – just scroll through the images:
If you do have concerns about your child’s mental health, please speak to their head of year in school about getting them some support.
Other useful Links:
Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing (for parents and carers) - Recovery College Online
Helping your child - Anxiety UK
How to Talk to Your Child about Mental Health | YoungMinds
Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child | YoungMinds
Parents' Guide to Looking After Your Mental Health | YoungMinds
Mental Health Resources Library (charliewaller.org)
Mindfulness based cognitive therapy for adults in County Durham and Darlington, Teesside and most of North Yorkshire, York and Selby - Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (tewv.nhs.uk)
Autism Central - Daisy Chain (daisychainproject.co.uk)
Advice for supporting your child’s mental health | ThisMayHelp
Well-being resources | RISE | The Children's Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)
Information and support for parents and guardians | Our Time
