2 minute read
I’ll be there
How do you talk to a child about their worries?
Going back to school after the summer break or moving house may be an anxious time for a child. Traumatic events like an accident, the death of a loved one, a burglary, a natural disaster or a terrorist attack can have a big impact on children, even if they weren’t directly involved.
It’s important to accept that a child’s behaviour may change while they deal with their thoughts. Remind them they’re safe and it’s okay to have strong thoughts and feelings about what’s happened.
You don’t need to have all the answers; being there and offering a safe space to talk is the important thing. School and your GP can advise how to seek further help.
Children of all ages can show trauma through:
• Nightmares or struggling to sleep
• Feeling anxious or jumpy
• Flashbacks and panic attacks
• Struggling to cope with everyday stresses
• Scared to leave family, or wanting to spend time alone
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling guilty or numb.
Help them by:
• Making sure they eat well and get a good night’s sleep
• Taking pressure off where you can. Does their room have to be tidy? Can they get time off homework?
• Getting back to doing things you used to do. Ask what will make it easier for them
• Keeping things around that make them feel safe – this could be a toy, a pet or a special person
• Encouraging them to talk to you about worries or write them down.
For further help and support
For young people struggling with their mental health or thinking about suicide, free 24/7 support is available every day of the year.
Call: 0800 068 4141 Text: 88247
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258
Call: 0800 1111
Call: 116 123
NHS Go - an app for young people age 16 to 25.
For more information and support for children and their parents, visit YoungMinds . Their Parents Helpline is 0808 802 5544. (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm).
Source: NHS England
