Other Tips:

1) Try not to compare your child to other children without diagnoses. Children with mental health challenges have different experiences in the world and can require different parenting approaches. It's ok to grieve those differences, but try not to impose typical expectations onto your atypical kiddo.

2) Find a support network of people who are in similar situations. Many of your friends might not "get" what you're going through... seek out other parents who do.  

3) Know that therapy is super helpful - but it requires work. Be patient and open-minded. You might have to try out a few different providers, strategies, etc. to find what works. We recommend therapy for both the child and the caregivers (or the family system as a whole) when navigating mental health challenges. 

4) Know the symptoms of your child's illness and work with a therapist on an action plan for dealing with them (at home, at school, etc.). Keep lines of communication open with your child's support system and work together to give your child the support they need.

5) Learn about and lean into your community resources.