We know that being a parent or carer isn’t always easy. Although it’s often amazing and rewarding to watch your children or young people grow up, it can also be really hard work. Things might feel especially difficult if your child or young person is struggling with their mental health at the moment. Or if their mood and behaviour seem different, and you're not sure why or what you can do to help. But you are not alone.
We have lots of practical advice to help you support them – from encouraging them to open up, to navigating mental health services and finding them the right help. No matter what you’re going through, things can get better.
Talk to our Parents Helpline
If you're worried about your child or young person’s mental health or wellbeing, you can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.
Our Helpline provides detailed information, advice and support to parents or main carers of children and young people aged 25 or under.
Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help. We all need a little extra support sometimes, and we hear from parents and carers just like you all the time.
Written by our Parents Helpline experts, our A-Z guide is full of practical advice on how to help your child or young person with whatever they’re struggling with. This includes advice on mental health conditions, feelings and behaviours, and life events.
Finding your way around mental health services can be challenging. If you need help to find the right support for your child or young person, read our guides. We have lots of information and advice on the different types of mental health support available, including counselling, CAMHS and speaking to the GP.
Talking about how we’re feeling is so important for our mental health. But it's not always easy to know where to start, and children and young people can find it difficult to talk. Our advice can support you.
Frequently asked questions
We’re sorry to hear that your child is struggling. We know that things might feel really tough at the moment. Use ourHelpfinder to find online information and advice that can help you support your child. Or, if you’d like to speak to someone, contact our Parents Helpline.
There are many ways you can support your child with their mental health. See ourParents' A-Z guide for advice and tips on helping your child, whatever they are going through.
Our Helpline provides information, advice and support to parents and main carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online.
We do not provide services such as counselling or therapy for young people.
No, we are a charity that provides information and advice to parents, carers and young people. You can find information about accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in ourguide for parents and carers. You can find information about other support services in our parent and carerguide to getting mental health support. Or you can contact ourParents Helpline for more advice.
We provide a one-off conversation with a trainedHelpline adviser. As this is a one-off service, we are not able to provide long-term support. But you can find lots of information, advice and tips in our A-Z guide for parents and carers.
Thank you for the support when I didn’t know how to help my son. I have followed your advice on how to manage the situation, and it helped so, so much.
Parent and carer blog
In our blog, parents and carers share their real-life stories. You can hear about their experiences of supporting their children or young people with their mental health. This includes their tips and advice for others going through similar things.
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