Parents & Teachers

Children show stress differently: stomach aches, irritability, clinginess, sleep changes, drop in school performance. Ask calmly, give time, and look for patterns.

Focus on effort and learning, not only marks. Keep routines for sleep and meals, plan short breaks, and let children know their worth doesn’t depend on results.

Mood swings are common in adolescence. Offer steady routines and patience. Seek advice if changes are severe or last weeks.

Aim for a regular bedtime, screen-free hour before bed, and a calm routine.

Agree on family rules together, keep devices out of bedrooms at night, and model healthy use yourself.

Take reports seriously. Keep records, involve the school, and focus on the child’s safety. Ask open questions and avoid blame.

Praise effort and strategy, give age-appropriate responsibility, and let children try and sometimes fail safely.

Talk while doing something together (walking, cooking). Ask open questions and avoid lecturing.

Name the feeling, stay calm, break the worry into small steps, and practise breathing together.

If distress lasts weeks, affects school, friendships or sleep, involves self-harm talk, or you’re worried, speak to a paediatrician, school counsellor or mental health professional. If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Listen fully, reflect back what you heard, avoid “you shouldn’t feel that”, and thank them for telling you.