For your child’s mental wellbeing – Find the right time and place to talk.

After eating, during mealtimes, just before bed.

When your child is upset, don’t force conversations: find another time

Try talking without direct eye contact: in the car, dog walking or doing the dishes

For your child’s mental wellbeing, be brave and start the conversation.

Be open and honest
Listen
Don’t judge
Don’t pressurize or confront

Be brave and start the conversation

For your child’s mental wellbeing – respect is vital and so are boundaries

Don’t share their feelings with others, unless your child agrees

Trust your child to know their own mental wellbeing.

Don’t betray their trust if they tell you about their feelings

It’s natural to worry, but try not to ‘helicopter’ around your child

Believe them if they tell you they are stressed

Dealing with your child’s mental wellbeing, access to quality information could help.

Find out the difference between mental health and wellbeing

Use helpful resources

Look after your own mental wellbeing.

Look after yourself: it’s hard to support others if you are feeling overwhelmed

Find another trusted adult who your child is comfortable to talk to

Be a role model by looking after your own mental wellbeing

Be honest about your struggles and how you got through difficult times

Trust your instincts about your child’s feelings.

Regularly check in and ask how they are: the effort is always appreciated

If you see sudden changes in their mood or behavior, trust your instincts and reach out to them

Trust your instinct and ask for help if you think they are unsafe

When talking about your child’s mental wellbeing: listen first, talk later.

It’s often best just to listen: you don’t need every answer

Hear everything and give them time to finish talking

Silence is ok: listening without answering can be positive

Social media is complicated and not all bad.

Agree everyone’s healthy online boundaries and stick to them. When monitoring use, remember it’s not all bad: strictness can be a barrier to honesty

Learn how and why your child uses social media

Social media changes fast and they are the best teachers

Have agreed tech-free time when you all put down gadgets

For your child’s mental wellbeing: there is no one perfect solution; try different approaches

There is no simple fix to helping your child’s wellbeing

Keep trying alternatives and different strategies