It is normal for your child to feel angry, sad, worried or stressed sometimes. Given they have the pressures of exams, friendships and general navigating through getting older this can be a turbulent time for them and some emotional turbulence is usual.

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

Things to look out for in your child according to Place2Be 

• 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

What can you do to support them 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.
• Find times to sit together – Spend time with them, cook with them, watch films with them, learn new things with them, solve problems and express feelings as you do this.
• Be a role-model – Show how you cope with difficult feelings and look after yourself. Show that it is ok to have up and downs and role model health coping strategies. 

The following websites have a range of information and support to help you support your child: (each one of these has a link embedded)

• NHS
• Young Minds
• MindEd
• Place2Be’s blog