Resources For Parents/Caregivers

Sometimes kids and teens feel sad or stressed because of changes in their life, like moving or starting a new school. These feelings usually go away after a little while.

But if there is a mental health problem, the feelings might last longer, happen more often, and affect many parts of their life — like school, friendships, and family time. These problems usually don’t go away on their own and may need extra help.

Our partners at School Mental Health Ontario have created this By Your Side Parent/Caregiver resources to support mental wellness and health for every family. It gives more detailed signs of mental illness to watch for and specific suggestions for caregivers to support the student in their life.

It can be hard to know if a student in your life is struggling with a mental health concern. 

A few signs that may reflect a mental health concern can be CHANGES in:

• Sleep - either too much or too little

• Mood - irritable, withdrawal, weepy, angry

• Activities - loss of interest in activities previous enjoyed or completed (homework, sports, art, music, hanging out with friends)

• Openness - secrecy around friends, secrecy around devices/online activities

• Signs of bullying or cyberbullying - avoiding or obsessing about devices, sudden changes in apps or social media use

• Risky behaviour - dangerous driving, unsafe stunts

• Personal Hygiene - decrease in showering, teeth brushing and other person hygiene practices 

• Self-esteem - making frequent negative comments, talking about death or dying giving away possessions (these can be associated with thoughts of suicide or suicidal behaviours, follow crisis response options on the Kids Help Phone Website

If you have noticed any of the above changes, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my child acting in a way that’s not normal for them?

• Is it hard for my child to enjoy things they usually like?

• Is it causing problems in our family?

• Is it making school harder for my child?

• Is it happening more often than before?

• Is it feeling stronger or more intense?

• Is it lasting longer than it used to?

(School Mental Health Ontario, 2025)

Take time to think about and plan when to talk to your child. Sometimes on a drive or over a meal or snack can be a better time to ask rather than responding in an emotional moment. 

• Use gentle prompts, “I’ve noticed you’re sleeping [more/less] than normal, what’s up?"

  • Sharing an observation directs the conversation, asking ‘what’s up’ is a non-threatening way to understand the child’s point of view

• Listen to your child and validate their feelings. "I understand you’re feeling [sad, lonely, worried etc. because of [repeat or guess what they’ve said]. Guessing is fine, often children will correct you if you’re wrong, still giving you the information you need

• Listen supportively, asking questions such as, “is there anything more I should know”

• Reassure the child you’re here to help support them and help them find the correct support

If you need help right away reach out to Kids Help Phone or dial 988 to speak with a counsellor. These services are available 24/7.

You can also connect with:

• •  1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868

  • Black youth- text RISE to 686868 

  • First Nation, Métis and Inuit - text 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults

Mental Health services are available to all students at SMCDSB regardless of, for example, race, colour, background, ethnicity, culture, citizenship, beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability.

School Counsellors provide various mental health supports to students in our schools. This includes counselling to support students with their feelings, friendships, behavior, and schoolwork. School counsellors also provide consultation by working with teachers, families, and community helpers to create a supportive environment where students needs can be met. 

School Counsellors supporting students of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit ancestry give mental health support that respects a students culture while understanding past and present trauma. This support helps students feel proud of who they are and deals with challenges caused by things like trauma passed through families, colonization, and unfair treatment. Along with their main duties—such as consultation, crisis help, classroom and family support, and referrals—these Counsellors have a special role. They work closely with Indigenous community partners and school staff. They help students and families find resources, services, and events that fit their culture. They also guide families through community agencies and support systems.

Counsellors can support students by:

• Giving short-term counselling to help with stress, anxiety, friendship problems, or emotions that make learning hard.

• Helping in emergencies by doing crisis support and safety checks.

• Connecting students and families to outside supports when needed.

• Offering consultation to parents and educators to better support students with complex mental health needs.