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Supporting your child with their Mental Health

You can support your child’s mental health by listening openly, keeping daily routines, and seeking professional help early when needed.

Everyday Support:

• Keep routines stable: Keep regular times for meals, waking up, and going to bed to help your child feel secure.  Reduce screen time
• Spend time together: Do fun, relaxing activities or exercise outdoors as a family.  Try to encourage regular physical activity.
• Acknowledge feelings: Help them name their emotions instead of using heavy medical labels.
• How to Communicate
• Listen without judgment: Let your child share their feelings. Do not try to instantly fix the problem or dismiss what they say.
• Stay calm: Avoid angry reactions or phrases like "just get over it." This keeps communication open for the future.
• Talk during normal routines: Chat during family meals or walks so talking about feelings feels normal and safe.
• Signs to Watch For
• Mood shifts: Look for long periods of sadness, crying, or high irritability.
• Withdrawal: Notice if your child stops seeing friends or avoids favourite hobbies.
• School or physical changes: Watch for dropping grades, refusal to go to school, or frequent stomach aches and headaches. 

Where to Get Help:

• School Support:  Please speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team Mrs. Speller, Mr. Mackay or Mr. Tomene immediately via the school office 020 8514 4666 or email lsst@loxford.net
• General Practitioner (GP): Start with your GP for advice, treatment options, or referrals to local mental health teams.
• NHS 111: Call 111 or use NHS 111 Online and select the mental health option for urgent guidance.
• YoungMinds: Contact the YoungMinds Parents Helpline at 0808 802 5544 for free, confidential advice.
• Childline: Children and young people can call Childline anytime at 0800 1111 for free support.