Starting a conversation about mental health with your child
Talking to your child about their mental health can be hard, and they might struggle to open up to begin with. It doesn’t matter what topic the conversation starts with, it’s about the opportunity it gives you both to talk about feelings and to provide comfort.
Starting with an activity you both enjoy can help create a relaxed environment. When your child opens up, listen in a non-judgmental way about how they are feeling. Remind them it’s okay for them to feel scared or unsure and try to reassure them in an age-appropriate manner. Remember, you do not need to know all the answers, but talking things through can help them feel calmer.
What to do if your child tells you they’re struggling
It is difficult to hear your child is struggling with their mental health. If you’re worried, be open about how you want to support them. It’s really important your child can share what they think may help, so you can make a plan of action together. You could consider making an appointment with their GP. Talking to their school or college about how your child is feeling can also help and you can find out about the support they offer.
We know talking isn’t always easy and you might worry about saying the wrong thing or making things worse. It’s important to remember your child doesn’t need you to always get it right, they just need to know you are there.
