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Health and wellbeing
Supporting Your Child's Health and Wellbeing
Children can have difficult days and go through periods of worry or change. You know your child best. If you notice something that concerns you, talking and asking for help can make a difference.
Simple Ways to Support Your Child
Talk
Give your child opportunities to talk about their day and anything that is worrying them.
Listen
Listen without rushing to solve the problem. Let your child know they can talk to you.
Keep Routines
Regular routines around sleep, meals, school, activity and family time can be helpful.
Ask for Help
You do not have to manage concerns alone. School and health services can help.
Have You Noticed a Change?
It can be helpful to check in with your child if you notice changes in:
- Sleep
- Eating
- Mood or anxiety
- Behaviour
- Friendships
- School attendance or learning
- Interest in things they usually enjoy
- Use of phones, games or social media
A change does not necessarily mean something is wrong. It can simply be a good opportunity to talk.
Speak to Your Child's School
If you are worried about your child's wellbeing, you can speak to someone at school.
This may be particularly helpful when a concern is affecting:
- Attendance
- Learning
- Friendships
- Behaviour
- Emotional wellbeing
The school can listen to your concerns and help you understand what support may be available.
NHS Mental Health Support
If you are concerned about your child's mental health, you can speak to your GP or another professional supporting your child.
The NHS also provides information specifically for parents and carers supporting a child or young person.
Does Your Child Need Urgent Help?
If your child needs urgent mental health support, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
If there is an immediate danger to life or someone is at immediate risk of serious harm, call 999.
Online Life and Wellbeing
Phones, games and social media are part of everyday life for many children. Talk about what your child is doing online as well as how long they spend online.
LGfL ParentSafe provides straightforward information for parents about screen time, online safety, apps, devices and conversations with children.
Support for Parents and Carers
YoungMinds
Information and advice for parents and carers who are worried about a child's mental health or wellbeing.
Anna Freud
Mental health and wellbeing information for children, young people, parents and families.
NHS
Information about children's and young people's mental health services and getting support.
Someone Your Child Can Talk To
Childline provides support for children and young people who want to talk about something that is worrying them.
Childline: 0800 1111
You Do Not Have to Work It Out Alone
If you are worried about your child, talk to them and ask for help. Your child's school, GP and other support services can help you decide what to do next.