Mental health and well-being

How to support your children and yourself.

family mental health and well-being: a father plays with his son outside
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Our mental health is a fundamental part to our overall health and well-being. As a parent, you play a huge role in supporting your child's mental well-being. Nurturing and loving care build a strong foundation, helping your child to develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.   

Here are expert tips and resources to help you support your child's and your own mental health.

 

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Conversation starters
Common conditions explained
Infants to pre-teens | Teenagers | Parents
Guides to big conversations
 

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#OnMyMind: How to talk to your child about mental health

It starts with one moment, one conversation, one question: What’s on your mind?

0–5 years

Lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive mental health in this period of growth and learning

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6–10 years

Starting school, navigating friendships and building resilience – the focus shifts to the outside world

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11–13 years

Physical changes, appearances and friendships – there is much to navigate in this challenging time

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14–18 years

How to tackle emotional, behavioural and health risks that could influence the rest of their lives

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Mental health: Common conditions explained

Learn about common mental health terms and conditions and how to support your family’s well-being.

What is stress?

A common feeling that affects children as much as adults, just differently

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What is anxiety?

Feelings of anxiety among children are preventable and treatable

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What is depression?

Recognize signs of low mood and depression in children and learn ways to help them feel better

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What is postpartum depression?

Learn about the signs and how to find support

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Mental health and infants to pre-teens

Help lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive mental health.  

How to build your baby's mental health

A psychologist's tips on helping your child to feel safe and protected

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How play strengthens your child’s mental health

Playful moments are essential for your little one’s emotional well-being

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How to manage your child’s separation anxiety

What you need to know about supporting your little one

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How to discipline your child the smart and healthy way

Positive discipline works and here's how you can put it into practice

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Mental health and teenagers

Support your child through this time of growth into adulthood.

Four things you can do to support your teen’s mental health

Show your teen love and care, while looking after yourself

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11 tips for communicating with your teen

How to approach conversations with empathy and understanding

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Teen mental health and social media

We asked mental health experts how they approach social media in their families

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Teens and risky behaviour

How to support your teen while helping them to stay safe

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How to help your teenager manage a meltdown

Be your child’s partner in navigating difficult or overwhelming feelings

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How to support your teen during stressful times

Be your child’s partner in navigating tough situations

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When to help your teen find mental health support

Learn about the warning signs and how to guide your child

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What are eating disorders?

Learn about eating disorders and what parents should watch out for

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3 ways to support your teen

Dr. Lisa Damour shares her quick, practical tips on how to support your teen.

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Caregivers and self-care

When we take care of ourselves, we can better take care of our children as well.

Self-care for parents

How mental health experts with kids look after their own well-being

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How to reduce stress

Simple, proven ways for parents to manage stress

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How to protect your family's mental health

A psychologist answers your top questions about family well-being

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Guides to big conversations

Busted: 7 myths about mental health

Separating fact from fiction

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Talking to your kids about racism

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the earlier parents start the conversation the better.

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How to talk to your children about hate speech

How to help your child recognize hate speech and know what to do when they encounter it

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How to talk to your child about climate change

Ways to engage children on the issue with hope and positivity

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