Mental health refers to one’s psychological condition and emotional wellbeing and maintaining good mental health is just as important as it is for physical health. Unlike the latter, however, mental health issues are harder to recognise and support. We have teamed up with a private school in Somerset to share some advice on supporting children with their mental health.

Communication and Checking In

To support your child with their wellbeing, it’s important to have good communication. Plus a relationship where they are able to come to you for support. While letting them know that you’re there is important, checking in on how they’re feeling and how their day has been can help them to reflect on their feelings and bring issues to light.

Make Your Own a Priority

As a parent, you have a huge role in shaping your child’s behaviours and habits. Actively carrying out self-care and mindfulness can model good behaviours and encourage your child to invest time in taking care of their own mental health.

Pay Attention to the Non-Verbal

It can be difficult for children to open up about how they’re feeling. Especially when they’re intense or feelings that can’t be described. Paying attention to non-verbal forms of communication like withdrawal can indicate this to parents. Which in turn will help them to better support their child.

Screen Time

While the internet can be a great comfort blanket with endless funny videos and a means to communicate with friends, spending prolonged periods on it can seriously affect mental health. Social media in particular is known to perpetuate unrealistic, high expectations. This can lead to low self-worth, anxiety and body image issues. It can be e a hard one to achieve which is why you need to be on board too and set a good example. By limiting your own screen time your child will see it as the norm.