Worries, anxiety and wellbeing

All children have worries, and starting at a new school or sitting a test can bring them out. These charities help parents tell the difference between a bad week and something that needs more support.

Worth knowing

1. Listen first. Let your child say how they feel without fixing it straight away. Naming a feeling often makes it smaller.
2. Tell the school. Class teachers and the school's pastoral staff see your child every day and can often help, so let them know early.
3. Look after yourself. A worried parent finds it hard to support a worried child. The helplines below are for you too.
4. Know when to ask for more. If worries last, stop your child doing things they enjoy or affect sleep, eating or school, speak to your GP.

Support for parents and carers

• YoungMinds: parents (Mental health charity). A parents helpline, an A-to-Z guide to feelings and behaviours, and advice on talking to your GP and getting support.
• Anna Freud: resources for families (Children's mental health charity). Advice for parents and carers on supporting a child with poor mental health, and on looking after yourself.
• Coram Family Lives (Charity (formerly Family Lives)). A free parenting helpline, online chat and free online parenting courses, for the everyday and the difficult.

For your child

• Childline (Run by the NSPCC). A free, private place for children and young people to talk, by phone, chat or online.

If a child may not be safe or is in a crisis, call 999 or go to A&E. The YoungMinds site lists where to get urgent help.

General information, not medical or legal advice. Links last checked 2026-10-24.