St Bartholomew's School

Mental Health & Well-being information for parents

As parents and carers, you play an important role in teaching children and young people how to understand and manage their feelings as they grow up.

What can I do at home?

Find time to talk, just the two of you – ‘Check in’ with them while you’re doing things together, so they get used to talking about their feelings.
Play together – Play helps them to be curious, learn new things, solve problems and express feelings without words.
Be a role-model – Show how you cope with difficult feelings and look after yourself.

Where can I get more information?

Child mental health and wellbeing:

Big changes:

Conditions and challenges:

Difference and diversity:

Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and we are unable to signpost to every organisation. Please refer to the NHS or BBC Action Line for a more comprehensive directory.

Does my child or young person need mental health support?

It’s normal to feel angry, sad, worried or stressed sometimes.

However, if they’re struggling to cope with those feelings, they might need support.

Look out for:

Sudden changes in behaviour
Negative thoughts and low self-esteem
Arguing and fighting
Sleep problems
Avoiding school or staying with you all the time
Aches and pains

Remember – everyone is different and these signs might not have anything to do with a mental health problem.

Children and young people can be affected by big changes like:

Death or illness in the family
Parents separating
Moving school or moving house
Tests and exams
Adolescence and puberty
Relationship and friendship problems

Try talking to them first. If you’re worried, follow our advice for getting help

Here are some leaflets to help deal with some issues that children and parents face.

Children and anxiety

Coronavirus and your wellbeing

Keeping your cool