AD| As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child comprehend their feelings and manage their emotions effectively. There are lots of ways this can be achieved, as explored below by an independent school in Somerset. 

Keep an Eye on Them

It’s perfectly normal for children to feel angry, anxious, sad or a whole host of other emotions, but sometimes things can get a little out of hand. Keep an eye on your youngster for any sudden, drastic changes in their behaviour, because it might be a sign that they’re struggling and need some extra support. Here are some signs to look out for:

• They are experiencing problems with sleep
• They are avoiding school
• They are suddenly arguing/fighting more often than usual
• They have very low self-esteem
• They are often physically unwell

These could be completely unrelated to a mental health problem, so you should also consider whether there could’ve been anything that might have triggered such symptoms:

• Have you recently moved house?
• Have you recently separated from your child’s other parent?
• Are their any tests coming up at school?
• Has there been a death or any illness in your family?

Have Open, Honest Conversations

Try and find time to check in with your child on a one-to-one basis, in which you allow them to share what’s on their mind. You should do the same, showing them that it’s okay to be open and honest about your feelings and seek advice from others. Remind your child that you are not there to judge them, and they are free to lean on you for support whenever they need to. 

Be a Good Role Model

If your child sees you taking care of your mental health, they will be more likely to do the same. Children tend to learn much of their behaviour and habits from their parents, so show them how to handle their emotions by being a good role model.