Understanding what mental health is, can help you talk to your child about their mental well-being. Think of mental health as a range with one end being good mental health and the other end being poor mental health. We all move across this range at various times in our lives and we can all experience poor mental health at times in our life. Just like physical health, it is important we take care of our mental health.
Your child’s mental health can be affected by genetics, what is currently happening in their life, past experiences, and access to resources and supports.
How to support the mental well-being of your child or youth |
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There are things you can do as a parent to support your child’s mental well-being.
Sometimes help from a trained person is needed.Most Ontario schools have mental health professionals on staff who provide supports to students. If your child is already connected to their school support team, reach out to them. If not, check with the school principal to learn about school supports that are available. School Mental Health Ontario provides information on supports available in Ontario schools and tips on how to work with your school to support your child’s mental health. Maltby Centre offers free access to evidence-based resources including counseling, therapy and intensive services to children and youth from ages 0 to 18 and their families or caregivers. Check out their calendar of events for virtual and in-person workshops offering tips and strategies to parents and caregivers who are seeking help. Kids Help Phone offers support to kids, teens, and parents or caregivers. Phone and virtual mental health services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
Tips for parents and caregivers to help children deal with stress |
Kids Help Phone offers suggestions for talking to children and teens about stress and the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre suggests ways to recognize, manage, and reduce stress as a family. |
Identifying concerns |
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All children and youth are different. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, consider whether there are changes in the way they think, feel or act. Mental health problems can present as physical problems like increased headaches or stomach aches, decreased energy, problems sleeping or changes in appetite. Visit School Mental Health Ontario for a list of signs that may indicate a mental health concern for your child or youth. |
Community supports for children and youth |
24 hour crisis lines. Call in an emergency.
Community
Immigrant servicesSubstance use and addiction
Poison control
Family services
Health care
Mental health and counseling
Sexual health
Housing
LGBTQIndigenous supports
Disordered eatingMulti-service agencies and programs |