Wellbeing for parents/carers
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Wellbeing for parents/carers
Wellbeing for Parents
Being a parent or carer of a secondary school age child has its challenges. As we see our children develop into adults and support them through the physical and emotional changes. As parents and carers we play an important role in teaching children and young people how to understand and manage their feelings as they grow up. Children’s wellbeing is closely bound to their parents’ wellbeing. Therefore, it is vital you look after you and seek help and advice if you are struggling.
In the wellbeing section there is a page providing several links and telephone numbers for support services for both you and your child. If you do have concerns about your child’s wellbeing or mental health, please seek medical advice or during school hours contact your child’s Year Office at Eckington School on 01246 432849.
Below are links to websites for supporting your own and your child’s mental health.
| Top tips from the BBC for managing your own wellbeing as a parent | Five ways to manage your wellbeing as a parent during lockdown – BBC Bitesize |
| Advice from the BBC on how to support you teenager |
Top tips for understanding your teenager in the ‘new normal’ – BBC Bitesize |
| An Action for Children link to a number of webpages providing information on how to support your child |
Emotional wellbeing – Support for Parents from Action For Children |
| Action for Children site page on what parents can do to look after their own wellbeing |
5 self care ideas for parents – Support for Parents from Action For Children |
Wellbeing Tips for parents and carers
- Talk to your children and answer their questions. Ask about what they have heard about the virus and the situation so that you can correct possible misconceptions and reassure them.
- Avoid being too immersed in media coverage. Be mindful of the amount of things you are reading and watching, including social media – as this may add to worry and anxiety. Consider a few updates every day from trusted sources.
- Remember that people react differently to significant events. Some people – adults and children – may feel worried, some excited, some nothing much at all. Be reassured that different reactions are normal and ok.
- If your child seems worried, it may be good to distract them with something that takes their mind off their worries. You might also want to set aside 10-15 minutes each day for them to talk about any worries and to reassure them.
- Remember to keep things positive and give children hope. For example, tell children that now many people are working to make this better and that even though it is serious, everyone is doing their best to help people.
- Try to keep familiar routines. Well-known routines in everyday life provide security and stability.
- Do nice things together, and keep active. Make a plan and suggest some regular family times where you can play games, do some exercise together, or do other things that you know most of you like. Try to find a good balance between time together, and screen time.
- Keep in good contact with family and friends (via Facetime, Skype WhatsApp etc.; following NHS guidance on ‘social contact’). This will help children connect with others and know that others are thinking about them. It will also reassure them that others are well.
- As a parent, you may be concerned yourself. Take care of yourself and make sure you have breaks, time to relax and ask for help from others if you need it.
