10 practical tips for parents, from parents

From parents who have gone through it

1. Above all, accept and try to understand your child’s difficulties – educate yourself as much as possible about your child’s mental health challenges.
   
   
2. Be kind to yourself. If you don’t look after yourself first, you won’t be able to look after your child.
   
   
3. Ask for and accept help from professionals, family members or support groups – you don’t have to do this alone.
   
   
4. Until your child has the right help and support in place, remember that many of their everyday behaviours may be driven by their mental health needs.
   
   
5. There is no one right answer. It takes time to work out the best support and interventions that will work for your family. Be patient.
   
   
6. Find simple little things to help you cope - meet a friend for a coffee, play a sport you love, go for a walk. Giving yourself permission to take time out for yourself will help you care for your child.
   
   
7. Forgive yourself if you say or do the wrong thing. You will be learning alongside your child and doing the best that you can.
   
   
8. There are times when you need to trust your instinct – remember that you know your child better than anyone and that you are a crucial part of their support team.
   
   
9. It’s okay to feel however you feel - sad, angry, upset, numb. Go with it, but if the negative feelings last for too long, get help.
   
   
10. Hold on to hope, no matter how difficult things seem. Just being there, listening and offering hope is the most important thing you can do.