Young People’s Top 10 Tips for Parents
Tip 1

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
Tip 2

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
Tip 3

For your child’s mental wellbeing – respect is vital and so are boundaries
Don’t share their feelings with others, unless your child agrees
Tip 4

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
Tip 5

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
Tip 6

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
Tip 7

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
Tip 8

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
Tip 9

Social media is complicated and not all bad.
Agree everyone’s healthy online boundaries and stick to themWhen 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
Tip 10

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