Tips for listening to a child

Discussing mental health can be challenging. Children and young people may worry about being labelled or stigmatised, upsetting others, or the potential consequences. Parents and carers may have concerns about saying the wrong thing, exacerbating the situation, or treatment options.

Creating a safe and loving environment is crucial for children with mental illness. Maintain a supportive and low-stress atmosphere at home. Structure can be helpful in reducing stress. Parents and carers can try making a contract with their child, ensuring they feel comfortable talking or finding alternative ways to communicate when they’re struggling e.g., texting. This gives children a safe outlet to express their feelings.

A safe environment also entails open communication and dialogue. Encourage your child to understand their own mental health by regularly checking up on their wellbeing. Help them understand how to manage their emotions, identity feelings, and recognise their influence on behaviour. The ‘Triangle of Feelings’ can be useful in this regard. This allows young people to understand how we think, feel, and behave, and how each influences each other.

You are not alone. There are numerous resources available to assist you and your child. The provided links connect to organisations and charities dedicated to supporting children, young people, and their parents through episodes of mental health.

If you have concerns about your child, you can also reach out to your GP, school nurse, or school’s safeguarding team for support and guidance.