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Your child's wellbeing
Positive mental health and wellbeing is feeling good, functioning well and feeling connected. It's important for all of us. For your child, good mental health helps them to be resilient, confident and secure so they get the most out of their education.
You have a big part to play in your child's wellbeing. Everyday things, like spending time with them, make a big difference. You can support your child's wellbeing at home by:
- establishing routines and expectations
- talking about emotions
- joining your child in play.
Mana Ake has advice on looking after yourself and connecting with your child in ways that support their wellbeing.
Building blocks for wellbeing – Mana Ake
Supporting your child through big milestones
Everyone, including tamariki | children, can need some support and time to adjust to change. Starting school or transitioning to a new school is a big milestone for children.
Big changes can lead to your child having strong emotions about school. If your child doesn't want to go to school, it's important to offer them support as early as possible.
Children who have strong emotions about school or changes in their lives may start showing signs through:
- delaying their morning routine
- experiencing tummy aches, headaches or feeling sick
- finding it hard to talk about school in a positive way
- taking more days off school.
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme has advice on how to cope with change in your child's life.
Supporting children through big milestones (5 tips) – Triple P parenting
Work with your child's teacher
Schools should provide a safe and inclusive environment for students. Talk to your child's teacher if you are concerned about their wellbeing at school. Ask to meet with the teacher at a time convenient for them. Think about what concerns you want to discuss first.
When you meet with the teacher, start by talking about what is going well. Your child's teacher can give advice and work with you on any issues. Working together helps to make sense of what’s happening, so together you can plan for changes or supports needed.
Teachers can work with you to get more help for your child if it is needed. They can explain aspects of the school processes and expectations. Some schools have special learning or support coordinators that your child's teacher can refer them to. Most secondary schools have on-site counsellors.
If you're not getting the help that you need from your school, you can contact us. Our regional offices will be able to support you to get the help you need.
Social media and online wellbeing
Social media plays a big part in the lives of many young people. It's a useful tool for learning and staying in touch with other people but can sometimes present risks to your child's wellbeing and self-esteem. Before letting your child get started with using social media, make sure you communicate with your child about on the online safety basics.
Parents and caregivers – Netsafe
Support for disabled children
Awhi Ngā Matuā is an online community for parents of disabled and medically fragile children. Parents can join Awhi Ngā Matuā to ask questions, connect with other parents and find resources and information.
Mōhiohio anōMore information
The Mental Health Foundation has a list of helplines if you need to talk to someone now.
I need help now – Mental Health Foundation
There are resources available that are designed specifically for young people to use themselves.
The Lowdown and Youthline websites are designed to help young people going through a hard time, and Aunty Dee is designed to help Māori and Pasifika children and young people work through their problems.
