Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during childhood and adolescence when young people are still learning how to navigate their emotions, relationships, and sense of identity. As a parent or carer, your support can make a significant difference in your child’s ability to cope with challenges and develop lifelong resilience.
Recognising the Signs
This independent school in Berkshire suggests that children and teenagers often struggle to express how they’re feeling, so mental health difficulties may not always be obvious. Look out for signs such as persistent sadness, irritability, withdrawal from friends or family, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or a drop in school performance. Younger children might express distress through physical complaints like headaches or tummy aches.
It’s important not to dismiss these behaviours as “just a phase”. While occasional mood swings are normal, consistentor extreme changes in behaviour may indicate your child is struggling emotionally.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Open, honest communication is key. Make time for regular conversations, even if your child doesn’t always open up right away. Show them that it’s okay to talk about their feelings, and that you’re always available to listen without judgement.
Create a home environment that fosters emotional safety. This means showing empathy, validating their experiences, and modelling healthy coping strategies. Avoid pressuring them to “cheer up” or “move on” quickly – let them know it’s okay to feel upset or anxious, and that these feelings can be worked through together.
Encouraging Healthy Routines
Simple daily habits can have a big impact on mental wellbeing. Encourage regular physical activity, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and limited screen time. These routines support emotional regulation and energy levels.
Also, ensure there’s a healthy balance between schoolwork, social time, and downtime. Overloaded schedules can lead to burnout, especially in older children who may already feel academic pressure.
Seeking Professional Help When Needed
If your child’s mental health challenges persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals. This might include speaking to your GP, contacting the school’s pastoral team, or accessing a counsellor or therapist.
Early intervention is key. Just like you’d take your child to the doctor for a physical illness, there’s no shame in seeking help for emotional or psychological concerns. Many schools also offer in-house support or can help refer families to external services.
Supporting Yourself Too
Caring for a child with mental health challenges can be emotionally demanding. It’s vital that you also look after your own wellbeing. Reach out to friends, family, or support networks, and take breaks when you need to. Children are more likely to feel safe and secure when they see their parents coping in healthy ways.
Supporting your child with their mental health is a journey, not a destination. With patience, empathy, and the right support, your child can develop the tools they need to face life’s ups and downs with confidence and resilience.
