how you can support your child

Recognising when there may be an issue

It's normal to feel angry, sad, worried or stressed sometimes.

However, your child might need extra support if they struggle to cope with those feelings.

Look out for:

• sudden changes in behaviour

• negative thoughts and low self-esteem

• arguing and fighting

• sleep problems

• avoiding school or staying with you all the time

• aches and pains.

Remember – everyone is different, and these signs might not be related to a mental health problem.

Children and young people can be affected by significant changes like:

• death or illness in the family

• parents separating

• moving school or moving house

• tests and exams

• adolescence and puberty

• relationship and friendship problems.

Accessing support

If you feel there may be an issue with your child's mental health or wellbeing, there is a wide range of support that can be accessed. This includes

Providing support at home

Find time to talk, just the two of you – 'check in' with them while you're doing things together, so they get used to talking about their feelings.

Play together – Play helps them to be curious, learn new things, solve problems and express feelings without words.

Be a role model – Show how you cope with difficult feelings and look after yourself.