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Transitions and times of change

A lady comforts a young girl outside by sitting putting her arm around her

Young people go through all kinds of changes as they grow up.

These include moving into a new class, going to secondary school and moving to a new area. Lots of children and young people will also experience family changes like divorce or separation, having a new step-parent or sibling, or going through bereavement.

If your child is struggling to cope with a change, big or small, have a look at the practical tips we've got on this page. These can help you to feel more confident about supporting them.

Why do children and young people find some changes difficult?

Some changes can be exciting. But others can be stressful, worrying and upsetting. Change can be more difficult when a young person:

  • does not want it to happen
  • does not feel ready for it
  • feels worried about what is happening next, because it is new or unknown
  • needs time to let go of something that has ended
  • feels like what is happening to them is out of their control

A child or young person may also find change more difficult if they are already struggling with other things, such as anxiety, low-mood, problems at school or self-esteem issues.

Signs your child may be struggling with change

Play Video: Act on Warning Signs | YoungMinds #Take20 Act on Warning Signs | YoungMinds #Take20

You know your child better than anybody else. Trust your instincts as a parent or carer if you notice changes in your child's behaviour that feel worrying. Remember that it’s important to act on warning signs if you do start to feel concerned.

Catherine, a volunteer on our Parents Helpline, shares her tips:

  • look out for a change in things like sleeping or eating habits
  • communicate with your child if you’ve seen these signs
  • keep going, even if it feels like you’re not getting through to them
  • contact your GP or school about the warning signs if things don’t improve

Keep communication open

  • If you do see signs that are worrying you, it’s really important to try to talk to your child. Keep communicating with them in any way you can. This could be hugging, listening to them or texting. Just focus on keeping the line of communication open.

    You can find more tips on talking to your child in our guide for parents.

What to do if your child is finding change difficult

1. Be part of the solution

As a parent, be part of the solution. There are a number of things you can do to support your child, whether that be helping them plan, problem-solve or develop a sense of hope for the future.

Jo, our Head of Parent Services, gives her top tips:

  • get interested in what your child is doing
  • open up conversations about what they’re involved in - whether it's music, current affairs or social media, get them to teach you about their interests
  • keep an eye on pressure points

2. Be your child's anchor

If your child is experiencing problems or going through significant change, it’s important that you can be an anchor for them.

Jo, our Head of Parent Services, gives her top tips:

  • being an anchor will be reassuring if things are changing
  • maintain hobbies, favourite family activities and routines to create a safety net when your child is struggling
  • give them a sense of hope by encouraging them
Play Video: Supporting young people to cope with change Supporting young people to cope with change

3. If your child is struggling with change at school, college or uni

Watch this video from M&S and YoungMinds to hear more about coping with change. We discuss the challenges young people face when getting exam results, returning to school and starting college or university.

Looking after yourself as a parent

It’s so important that you look after yourself so that you can look after your child.

Watch the video for Catherine’s top tips:

  • recognise when you’re finding things hard
  • talk to family and friends about how things are
  • don’t blame yourself - it is not your fault
  • recharge your batteries and relax
Get more tips on looking after yourself as a parent

Useful helplines and websites

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

  • YoungMinds Parents Helpline

    We support parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person's mental health. We can provide detailed information and advice, emotional support and signposting.

    You can speak to us over the phone or chat to us online. When we’re closed, you can still leave us a message and we'll get back to you in 3-5 working days.

    Opening times:
    9.30am-4pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9.30am-6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Family Line

    Provides information and support around family issues, as well as longer-term help through Befrienders and Counsellors.

    Opening times:
    9am - 9pm, Monday - Friday
  • Youth Access

    Provides information about local counselling and advice services for young people aged 11-25.

    Put in your location and what you need help with into their 'Find help' search, and see what services are available in your area.

  • Hub of Hope

    A national database of mental health charities and organisations across Britain that offer mental health advice, including for family members.

  • Bayo

    Bayo has a list of organisations that work specifically with Black young people, including places where Black young people can get mental health support in their local community.

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn’t a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

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Please do not include personal details. This is not a mental health support service and you will not receive a reply.

Please note:

This form is not a mental health support service. We cannot reply to this. If you or your child are at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E. If you are worried about your child’s mental health, call our Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544, Mon-Fri, 9:30am – 4pm. If you are struggling with your own mental health, call Samaritans on 116 123.

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