Patient-First Language

Parents ask me: "What do I do to support my child’s mental health?” My answer to this question is to remember three things that can promote your child’s mental health. First and foremost, parents must look after their own mental health. The evidence that children’s mental health is linked to their parents’ is very convincing. Your child knows when you’re anxious or depressed or stressed and it affects them. Also, in the same way that they cannot hide how they’re doing from you, you cannot hide your mental state from them. We all notice when the people we love aren’t doing well, even when we don’t know the reason. If you want to look after your child’s mental health, start by looking after your own. Take some time and reflect on how you’re doing.