Parent Wellbeing

Evidence shows that good relationships - with family, friends and our wider communities - are important for our mental well-being. As parents and carers we play an important role in teaching children and young people how to understand and manage their feelings as they grow up.

Click HERE for advice and resources for supporting a teen. Images and Content kindly provided by https://www.annafreud.org/

Building stronger, wider social connections can help us feel happier and more secure, and give us a greater sense of purpose. 

Supporting Your Child's Well-being at Home

At home, there are several ways you can nurture your child's emotional well-being:

  1. Open Communication: Find time to have one-on-one conversations with your child. "Checking in" with them during shared activities can help them become more comfortable discussing their feelings.
  2. Play Together: Play is a powerful tool for children to explore, learn, problem-solve, and express their emotions. Engaging in playtime with your child fosters their emotional development.
  3. Be a Role Model: Demonstrate how to cope with challenging emotions and emphasise self-care. By modelling healthy emotional responses, you provide a valuable example for your child.

Additional Information and Support

If you're seeking more information or specialised guidance, consider exploring the following resources:

Big Changes:

  • Bereavement and Grief: Child Bereavement UK (Website) or Winston's Wish (Website)
  • Divorce and Separation: Young Minds (Website)
  • Starting School: Place2Be (Website)
  • Adolescence and Growing Up: The Mix (Website)

Conditions and Challenges:

Difference and Diversity:

  • Special Needs and Disabilities: Scope (Website)
  • Autism: National Autistic Society (Website)
  • LGBTQ+: Strong Family Alliance (Website)
  • Gender Diversity and Transgender: Mermaids (Website)
  • Race and Ethnicity: BAATN (Black, African and Asian Therapy Network) (Website)

For insights into the complexities of the teenage brain, watch this informative video here.

Recognising When Your Child May Need Mental Health Support

It's natural for children and young people to experience a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, worry, and stress. However, if your child is struggling to manage these feelings, it's essential to be vigilant for signs such as:

  • Sudden changes in behaviour
  • Negative thoughts and low self-esteem
  • Frequent arguments and fights
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Avoiding school or constantly seeking your presence
  • Unexplained physical complaints

Remember that everyone is unique, and these signs may not necessarily indicate a mental health issue. However, if you're concerned, seeking support is a wise step.

Where to Find Support for Your Well-being and Your Child's

For support with your well-being and your child's mental health, consider the following resources:

  • Mind: Offers a wealth of support for various mental health issues (Website)
  • NHS: Provides guidance on accessing mental health services based on your location (Website)
  • Thurrock Website: Lists local sources of support within our borough

Additional Support for Parents

As a parent, supporting your child's well-being can be challenging. Here are organisations that offer tips and guidance:

  • NSPCC: Provides advice on dealing with issues you might face with your teenager, such as tantrums and discussing difficult topics (Website)
  • Young Minds for Parents: Offers useful information on supporting your child's mental health (Website)
  • Parent Zone: Centralises advice, knowledge, and support for modern family life, particularly in the digital age (Website)

For additional useful links, tips, and advice, visit this website.

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