As parents and carers, there are ways we can support our children to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy. Encouraging and guiding a child to think about their own mental health and wellbeing are vital skills you can teach them from a young age.
Ways to support a child or young person
Be there to listen. Regularly ask your child how they’re doing, to help them get used to talking about their feelings and know there’s always someone there to listen. You can get tips on Young Minds: How to talk to your child about mental health.
Support them through difficulties: Pay attention to how your child is feeling or behaving and try to help them work through difficulties. It may not be easy facing challenging behaviour but try to help them understand what they’re feeling and why. Learn more from the Maudsley Charity on difficult behaviour.
Stay involved in their life. Show interest in their life and what’s important to them. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.
Encourage their interests: Support and encourage your child to explore their interests. Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team helps connect us and boost our mental wellbeing. Take what they say seriously. Listening to and valuing what they say makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them work through their emotions in constructive ways. Anna Freud Centre’s guide on ways to support children and young people has more on this.
Build positive routines: Try to have structure around regular routines, especially around healthy eating and exercise. A good night’s sleep is also important, so have a fixed time for going to bed and getting up. The Sleep Charity has relaxation sleep tips for children.
When to get professional help for a child or young person
You know your child better than anyone, so if you’re worried, first think if there has been a significant change in their behaviour.
If there has, is it caused by any specific events or changes in their life? Does it only happen at home, school or college, or when they’re with others or alone?
If you’re worried or unsure, there is lots of support out there (see the support section on this page).
MindEd for Families also has information explaining some common behavioural problems in different age groups.
Visit our website for more information on supporting your child’s mental wellbeing
Finally, it is important to remember that parenting or caring for a child or young person can be tough at times. It’s important to look after your own mental wellbeing, as this will help you support yourself while you are supporting others. Young Minds have lots of great advice for parents too.
Content originally from NHS Mid and South Essex
SWF Health & Social Care Group 